In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Laura Cook, who left school at 18, discovered her dyslexia through support work at De Montfort University, and went on to build the Learning Support Centre, now providing specialist support to thousands of higher-education students and neurodivergent NHS trainees. Laura explains how neurodivergent needs often surface under workplace pressure, and introduces Skill Bridge, her newer venture offering end-to-end support for neurodivergent apprentices and employees, including screening, workplace needs assessments, strategy coaching, assistive technology, and training. The conversation explores differences between university and apprenticeship funding, how support is accessed via apprenticeship providers, the challenges of dual funding with Access to Work delays, and practical inclusive management steps like clear agendas, minutes, and effective training on tools.

This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers.

Get ivvi notes now: https://www.ivvi.app/ 

Links: 

• Ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/ 
• What is Dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia 
• How to Mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners 
• Laura’s Linkedin: Laura Cook | LinkedIn
• For any inquiries, please email [email protected]
• Skill Bridge website: https://www.skillbridgesolutions.co.uk/ 
• Learning Support Centre website: The Learning Support Centre - Neurodivergent & Disability Specialists
• Learning Support ACA website: Home | Learning Support Aca
• British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
• SEND: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs 
• SEN Support: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/special-educational-needs-support
• Disabled Students Allowance: https://www.ivvi.app/dsa-for-dyslexia 
• Digital catapult: https://www.digicatapult.org.uk/ 
• innovate UK: https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/ 

Interested in being a guest? Email us at [email protected]