Our mission is to build confidence and unlock the potential in children with dyslexia through comprehensive, tangible resources.
Our mission is to build confidence and unlock the potential in children with dyslexia through comprehensive, tangible resources.
Erasing the Stigma
Redefining Dyslexia
One Conversation at a Time
Welcome to Erasing the Stigma, a video series dedicated to breaking down misconceptions about dyslexia and uplifting the voices of those who live with it. In each episode, host Julia de Montagnac dives into deep conversations with experts, educators, and advocates to challenge outdated beliefs and celebrate the incredible strengths of dyslexic individuals. Tune into Erasing the Stigma to join a community committed to reshaping the narrative around dyslexia and empowering dyslexic voices.
Episode 20:
Winifred A. Winston
Talking Points:
How dyslexia affects minorities
How can minority parents advocate for their dyslexic child
The tools every parent needs to help their dyslexic child
About:
Winifred A. Winston is a mother to a daughter with dyslexia. Despite being a former administrator at a special education school, Winston struggled to advocate, as a black parent, for her daughter in a system that often works against minorities. Through her fight, Winston saw that black parents have less access to accurate information about dyslexia, dyslexia advocacy networks, and dyslexia interventions. Concerned by the inequities, Winston founded Dyslexia Advocation Inc.- the made-up word "Advocation" being a combination of the words advocacy and education, two central components of the incorporation. The goal of Dyslexia Advocation Inc. is to "equip parents of children with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences with the necessary tools to successfully advocate for their children who learn differently." On top of this, Winston co-created the Black and Dyslexic podcast, which works towards breaking down the barriers black parents face when trying to advocate for their child with dyslexia.
Episode 19:
Rosalin A. Kyere-Nartey
Talking Points:
What the Africa Dyslexia Organisation is
The grassroots and political work being done to instill dyslexia policies in Africa
How one can fight to make and effective change in dyslexia policies
About:
Africa Dyslexia Organisation is a non-profit African organization that "focuses its efforts on providing help for dyslexic people by raising awareness on dyslexia, providing educational tools, framework and support to dyslexic people" (africadyslexia.org). The organization was founded by Ms. Rosalin Kyere-Nartey with the goal of working towards the United Nations's sustainable development goals of "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” and “Reducing inequalities and ensuring no one is left behind.” Ms. Kyere-Nartey and her team have made significant feats in raising dyslexia awareness from hosting an Audibles podcast to launching a nationwide awareness campaign in Ghana. Furthermore, Ms. Kyere-Nartey works alongside the Ghanian Ministry of Education to recommend policy changes that the ministry can make to support dyslexic students.
Episode 18:
Melissa Mack
Talking Points:
How to decide whether your child should go to a school for learning differences
The benefits of art integration
How to incorporate art integration into your child's life
About:
The Cambridge School is an independent school in Pennington New Jersey for students with language-based learning differences. At the Cambridge School, students learning in small classroom environments with instructors who are certified in the Wilson Reading Program, and are "trained in Orton-Gilllingham, the Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes™, Hochman Writing Program, and Framing Your Thoughts" (thecambridgeschool.org). The school's curriculum is designed to help students with language-based learning differences to overcome their challenges. Mrs. Melissa Mack works with the school to incorporate art integrated teaching into the curriculum.
Episode 17:
Phyllis Wamucii Munyi-Kariuki
Talking Points:
Dyslexia Organization Kenya's work
Dyslexia policies in Kenya
The importance of dyslexia awareness
About:
Dyslexia Organization Kenya is a member of the International Dyslexia Association. The non-profit organization was established in 2011 by Ms. Phyllis Wamuci Munyi-Kariuki. On top of establishing Dyslexia Organization Kenya, Ms. Munyi-Kariuki has participated in research on interventions for dyslexic learners and research on the psychological challenges faced by children with reading difficulties. Furthermore, Ms. Munyi-Kariuki is the co-author of Narratives from Mothers of Children with Dyslexia: Our Stories for Educators. This novel shares the stories of mothers from around the world who have faced the plight of navigating educational spaces for the success of their dyslexic child.
Ms. Munyi-Kariuki, additionally, works as the co-director to the Rare Gem Talent School. The Rare Gem Talent School is a pre-primary to grade 12 school established by Ms. Munyi-Kariuki's sister, Ms. Nancy Munyi. The school focuses on serving students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
Episode 16:
Rebecca Kamen
About:
Join me and Ms. Rebecca Kamen, an artist in residence in the Computational Neuroscience Initiative and Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania and a former professor at the Northern Virginia Community College, to celebrate Dyslexia Awareness Month. Hear about Ms. Kamen's artistic process in designing her upcoming, dyslexia inspired exhibition.
Episode 15:
Robert (Bob) Ballard
Talking Points:
Dr. Ballard's career path
How dyslexia has significantly impacted Dr. Ballard's life
What it means to have a "dyslexic eye"
About:
Dr. Robert (Bob) Ballard is a retired Naval officer, oceanographer, and marine geologist who is extremely well-known for his discovery of shipwrecks such as the R.M.S. Titanic, the Bismarck, and PT 109. More so, Dr. Ballard has made pivotal biological findings, such as his findings of hydrothermal vents and the plant and animal life that live in these vents. These findings transformed our understanding of life by leading to the discovery of chemosynthesis, providing that life can live without the presence of the sun. Dr. Ballard received many prestigious awards for his discoveries such as the Explorers Medal, the Hubbard Medal, the Lindbergh Award, and in 2003, former President George W. Bush granted Dr. Ballard the National Endowment for the Humanities Medal. Dr. Ballard is additionally the founder of the JASON Project, an award winning non-profit that provides STEM based curriculum and learning experiences to K-12 grade students, and professional development for teachers. Today, Dr. Ballard is working as a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence.
Episode 14:
Larry Banks
Talking Points:
Professor Banks career in cinematography
How dyslexia has played a pivotal role in professor Banks' career
How dyslexia has affected professor Banks' life
About:
Professor Larry Banks started his career as a cinematographer. He quickly became distinguished for his work on films such as Juice, Strapped, Fly by Night, and Substitute 2. More so, his work can be see in commercials for brands including Nike, AT&T, and Levi Strauss & Co. During his career, professor Banks has worked alongside esteemed directors such as Spike Lee, Forest Whitaker, and Steve Horn. Following his time as a cinematographer, professor Banks worked as a director for his feature film Blue Stories. As a director, professor Banks also made his mark on the early music video industry, co-directing music videos such as Public Enemy's "Fight the Power", Tracy Chapman's "Born to Fight", Arrested Development's "Revolution", Rob Base's "Joy & Pain", to name a few. In 2000, professor Larry Banks became a full time academic at Long Island University, where is Chairs the Media Arts Department today.
Episode 13:
Succeed With Dyslexia
About:
Join me and Ms. Donna Stevenson, from Succeed with Dyslexia, to celebrate Dyslexia Awareness Month. Play along with us as we test our knowledge on dyslexia, bust myths about dyslexia, and more!
Episode 12:
Jared Blank
Talking Points:
Why Mr. Blank ran the world marathon challenge and how it impacted is views on dyslexia
Mr. Blank's experience with dyslexia
What it is like to navigate school with dyslexia
About:
Mr. Blank discovered that he had dyslexia at the age of five by his eye doctor, when his struggle to recognize words was so severe that many thought that there was a problem with his vision. Fortunately, a combination of his will to succeed and his parents unending support resulted in Mr. Blank's thriving academically and in life. Additionally, when Jared experienced difficulties due to his dyslexia, he relied on his hobby of running to cope. In 2017 Mr. Blank decided to leave his career in collegiate football to use running as a platform for raising awareness and funds to help students just like him. Then, in January 2018, Mr. Blank successful ran the World Marathon Challenge to raise awareness and $50,000 for the International Dyslexia Foundation. Following this, Mr. Blank wrote his novel Running the Distance, to further raise awareness of dyslexia. The proceeds from this novel's sales goes to the International Dyslexia association.
Episode 11:
Rebecca Kamen
Talking Points:
How dyslexia has help Ms. Kamen in her profession
The relationship of art and science
How art helps us understand the world
About:
Ms. Kamen is an artist in residence in the Computational Neuroscience Initiative and Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania and a former professor at the Northern Virginia Community College. Ms. Kamen's artwork is inspired by science, specifically neuroscience and astrophysics. At a young age, Ms. Kamen struggled in school, notably in her math class, due to her dyslexia. So, in college, she chose to major in art education since it was the only major where she was not required to take a math class. Yet, through this major, she uncovered her love for art and learning with her hands. Ms. Kamen always had a curious spirit and was fascinated by science. As she began practicing art, she could see overlaps between art and science, with both disciplines rooted in exploration. So, Ms. Kamen dedicated herself to exploring the nexus of these disciplines through her art installations. Ms. Kamen has exhibited her art and lectured nationally and internationally.
Episode 10:
Rossie Stone
Talking Points:
What are Dekko Comics
Why we should put entertainment before education
How to make learning fun
About:
Mr. Rossie Stone is the creator of Dekko Comics, educational comics for eight to twelve-year-olds that present the third to seventh-grade curriculum engagingly. Dekko Comics provides comics focused on various topics, from math to mental health and well-being. Dekko Comics have been shown to improve the understanding and retention of information for all children, including those with dyslexia and Autism. Mr. Stone was inspired to create Dekko Comics after his own struggles with dyslexia in school and his realization that he could successfully learn and memorize information when he turned his lessons into comics. Moreover, Mr. Stone provides workshops at schools, libraries, and institutions to teach alternative, interactive learning methods
Episode 9:
Dr. Nicole Landi
Talking Points:
What the educational technology Grapholearn is
The benefits of Grapholearn
Dr. Landi's team research on Grapholearn
About:
Dr. Nicole Landi is a Professor at the University of Connecticut and a researcher at Yale University's Haskins Laboratories. In 2005, Dr. Landi received her Ph.D. in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Pittsburg. Dr. Landi's research focuses on the acquisition and development of reading and language in developing children and children with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as dyslexia. She studies these matters using through the MRI, event related potential, and neuroimaging genetics. In July of 2022, Dr. Landi co-authored the research paper: The Impact of Computer-assisted Technology on Literacy Acquisition During Covid-19-related School Closures: Group-level Effects and Predictors of Individual-level Outcomes. This paper is the primary focus of our discussion.
Episode 8:
David Flink
Talking Points:
What Eye to Eye National is
How to be a Neurodiversity ally
The beauty of learning differences
About:
David Flink is a father, author, founder, and Chief Empowerment Officer of Eye to Eye National. At a young age, Mr. Flink was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD. While a student at Brown University, Mr. Flink founded Eye to Eye, where he and other college students mentored elementary and middle school students with learning differences. Today, Eye to Eye National still offers "Near-Peer mentoring," where local high school and college students with learning differences mentor middle schoolers who also have learning differences. Eye to Eye National also provides Professional Learning Programs for teachers, courses for students who learn differently, and more. Eye to Eye National's goal is "to improve the educational experience and outcomes of every student who learns differently...regardless of age, race, or socio-economic background."
Mr. Flink is the author of the novel Thinking Differently: An Inspiring Guide for Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities, which is a guide to help parents understand and proudly accept their child's learning differences. In 2016, Mr. Flink was honored as one of GQ's Men of the Year. Then, in 2021, Mr. Flink was celebrated by receiving the CNN Heroes All-Star Tribute Award.
Episode 7:
Diane Devenyi
Talking Points:
What is dysgraphia
The impacts of dysgraphia on self esteem
Therapies for dysgraphia
About:
Diane Devenyi is a former tax lawyer, who became deeply troubled by the literacy struggles she observed in her children’s classrooms. So, she changed her career path, to study leading-edge learning and literacy programs. In 2003, Ms. Devenyi founded The Learningforce, Inc. The Learningforce’s signature program, Wild Alphabet Adventures, aims to help students build high performance learning and literacy skills. These skills can help students with learning differences, such as dysgraphia. Ms. Devenyi is also authoring a series of books about high-performance learning. The first, “Dear Genius, Harness the Hidden Power in Your ABCs” is anticipated to be released in October 2022.
Episode 6:
Megan Pinchback
Talking Points:
What Dyslexia On Demand is
The pillars of Dyslexia On Demand's therapy
What to do if you live in an area with restricted access to intervention
About:
Megan Pinchback is a wife, mother, a board member of the International Dyslexia Association, and Certified Academic Language Therapist. Mrs. Pinchback founded Dyslexia On Demand to provide high quality dyslexia therapy to all children, despite geographical limitations and poor accessibility to qualified interventionist. Dyslexia On Demand typically works with children between the ages of 7 through 13 years old. Dyslexia On Demand can be accessed by children internationally.
Episode 5:
Dr. Brock Eide
Talking Points:
What NeuroLearning is
The science behind brain-based learning
Dyslexia intervention options for those in low-income households
About:
Dr. Brock Eide and his wife, Dr. Fernette Eide, are pioneers in the field of brain-based learning, with this research contributing invaluable information as to the talents of those with dyslexia. Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide are co-authors of the novels The Mislabeled Child and The Dyslexic Advantage. The Mislabeled Child provides parents, teachers, and professionals practical guidance as to how to help children struggling with language-based learning disabilities. It also portrays a comprehensive view of the unique brain-based strengths of a child with a language-based learning disability. The Dyslexic Advantage illustrates the creative advantages of those with dyslexia, using science and personal anecdotes to provide parents and educators with invaluable advice.
Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide founded NeuroLearning, a social purpose cooperation, alongside computer scientist Mr. Nils Lahr. NeuroLearning provides affordable and accurate dyslexia screening for those between the ages of 7 through 70 years old. Additionally, the Eides have a NeuroLearning Clinic in Seattle, Washington, and they are the founders of the non-profit organization, The Dyslexic Advantage. Moreso, Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide are parents to an artistically gifted son, Krister Eide, who is an illustrator, animator, and graphic novelist.
Episode 4:
Jeanne Betancourt
Talking Points:
Navigating life with dyslexia
Mrs. Betancourt's books and art
How dyslexia sparks creativity
About:
Jeanne Betancourt is the author of seventy-five books and dozens of television scripts. While Mrs. Betancourt discovered that she had dyslexia later in life, she attributes some of her creative talents and success to her dyslexia. Mrs. Betancourt has retired as an author to pursue a full-time career as an artist.
Episode 3:
Elaine Harrison-Yau
Talking Points:
Signs parents should look for in a child who is struggling academically
Improving self-esteem
How to create a safe space for a child
About:
Brave Minds Psychological Services, located in Scotch Plains, NJ. They have specialists licensed in NJ, NY, CT, and FL.
Episode 2:
Parent Exchange
Talking Points:
Why Coloring Confidence was created
A walkthrough of the Coloring Confidence website
Dyslexia in schools
About:
The Parent Exchange is a Facebook video series created by the Parent Support for Online Learning. The Parent Support for Online Learning is an organization founded by full-time online school parents. Their mission is to provide tools and resources to help parents navigate online learning.
Episode 1:
Succeed With Dyslexia
Talking Points:
How Coloring Confidence was developed
The tool of art-integration
Dyslexia in schools
About:
#SucceedWithDyslexia is a hashtagged movement that was started by the company Scanning Pens. The movement's goal is to "promote positivity around learning and literacy difficulties."
#SuceedWithDyslexia campaigns with many different organizations to raise dyslexia awareness. Their biggest campaign is the Go Red For Dyslexia movement, which takes place in October- Dyslexia Awareness month.
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Confidence Club
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