Dear Dyslexic Podcast

Are you ready to hear how one organisation is making a difference in the lives of young people with neurodivergences? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Deirdre Hardy from Future Connect!

In this episode, we are thrilled to host Deirdre Hardy, a dedicated advocate for young people with neurodivergences. Deirdre is the CEO of Future Connect, an organisation committed to supporting young individuals as they transition from education to employment. With a wealth of experience in working with neurodiverse youth, Deirdre has been instrumental in helping them navigate their educational and career pathways, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive.

Significant Topics of Discussion:

Introduction to Future Connect: Deirdre explains the mission and activities of Future Connect, emphasising their role in assisting young people in their transition from school to work.

Local Learning Employment Networks (LLEN): Learn about the 31 organisations across Victoria that support young individuals through the Department of Education's school-to-work contract.

Challenges and Support for Neurodiverse Youth: Deirdre discusses the importance of understanding and meeting the unique needs of neurodiverse young people, including those with dyslexia, ADHD, and other diagnoses.

Strategies for Employment Success: Discover the various strategies and activities Future Connect employs to help young people develop employability skills and secure work placements.

Importance of Diagnosis: The conversation highlights how a diagnosis can be empowering for young people, providing them with a sense of identity and facilitating the support they need.

Disclosure in the Workplace: Deirdre shares insights into the complexities of disclosing neurodivergence in job interviews and how Future Connect supports young people in this process.

Links to Diedre’s resources:

Future Connect Website: https://futureconnect.org.au/

Realise your Potential: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwmP9L-rPuQ

Marcella’s interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FdJCYNf004

The Making of Marcella’s Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmJSA2CQ53E

A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:

I'm Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Hobo CEO podcast. Head to http://rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Dear Dyslexic Podcast as well!

If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Hobo CEO.

If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:

LifeLine on 13 11 14

BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

Dive deep into the world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with Dr. Jamica Nadina Love, a trailblazer making waves across the education sector and beyond. Get ready to challenge your perspectives and understand the true power of intersectionality.

Guest Introduction: In this episode, we welcome Dr. Jamica Nadina Love, a renowned DEI expert and transformative leader. As the first Chief Diversity Officer at the historic Virginia Military Institute and the founder of Higher Dimensions Consulting LLC, Dr. Love has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive and equitable environments. With a master’s degree in counseling psychology and significant contributions in higher education, she has been recognized as one of Virginia Business News' 100 People to Meet in 2022.

Dr. Love's journey began with a focus on supporting international college women and has since expanded to include pivotal roles at esteemed institutions such as Mount Holyoke College and Northeastern University. Her commitment to advocacy, particularly for women and BIPOC individuals, underscores her dynamic speaking and training style, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and organisations alike.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Intersectionality and Labels: Dr. Love unpacks the concept of intersectionality, exploring how various identities intersect and contribute to unique experiences of discrimination and privilege. She explains the significance of understanding these intersections to create more inclusive and supportive environments.

2. The Evolution of DEI: From her early days working with international women at the Showa Boston Institute to her current role in consulting, Dr. Love shares her insights on how DEI initiatives have evolved. She emphasizes the importance of education in embracing diversity and how different identities add value to organizations.

3. Transforming Organizational Culture: Dr. Love discusses the paradigm shift from seeking a "cultural fit" to a "cultural add," advocating for the inclusion of diverse perspectives to drive innovation and growth. She shares practical strategies for organizations to broaden their hiring pools and create a more inclusive culture.

4. Overcoming Fear and Embracing Diversity: Addressing common fears associated with DEI efforts, Dr. Love offers guidance on how individuals and organizations can navigate these challenges. She highlights the importance of thoughtful speech, the impact of unintentional harm, and the need for continuous learning and awareness.

5. Personal and Professional Growth: Reflecting on her own career, Dr. Love shares her motivations and experiences that have shaped her journey. She underscores the value of mentorship, volunteer work, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge in the DEI field.

Join us for this enlightening conversation with Dr. Jamica Nadina Love, and learn how to transform your approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Discover the power of intersectionality and the impact it can have on creating a more equitable and inclusive world.

Tune in now and be part of the change!

A note from our director and podcast host:

I’m Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, brought to you by re:think dyslexia. To keep up-to-date with all our news, sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you haven’t done so yet, subscribe to your favourite podcast platform, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on the Dear Dyslexic Podcast series.

If you would like to sponsor a podcast contact [email protected] and help us continue to share stories of young people and adults with dyslexia and other neurodivergences!

n this episode, Shae has an open discussion with Kim Percy, where they talk about life and parenthood as a late-diagnosed dyslexic.

After her youngest son was diagnosed in year 2, Kim found herself relating to many of his experiences with dyslexia and felt she too may be dyslexic.

Over the last 24 years, she has co-directed and been a senior designer for Designscope, an agency dedicated to branding, strategy, web and print design. Her first passion was visual art, and she has had prominent exhibitions in some of Australia’s leading awards and festivals including BOAA Biennale of Australian Art, Ballarat Foto Biennale and HeadOn Photo Festival. Over the last 20 years, she has been a sessional tutor at Federation University and RMIT University alongside a business mentor for Melbourne Innovation Centre. She is interested in developing an accessible curriculum for neurodiverse students.

Kim is a music and art lover, finding joy in creative escapes. Throughout this episode, she shares insightful wisdom from her life as an artist, student, businesswoman and mother.

I’m Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, brought to you by re:think dyslexia. To keep up-to-date with all our news, sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you haven’t done so yet, subscribe to your favourite podcast platform, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on the Dear Dyslexic Podcast series.

If you would like to sponsor a podcast contact [email protected] and help us continue to share stories of young people and adults with dyslexia and other neurodivergences!

In this fun podcast Dr Shae Wissell speaks with Dr Helen Ross about living with dyslexia and undiagnosed ADHD.

Helen is a dyslexia expert and Special Educational Needs specialist with experience in independent and public education sectors, as well as at local and national levels.

As a former teacher/SENDCo with over 10 years of experience, I now work as a freelance consultant, researcher, and board member.

Helen offers a unique perspective as she is dyslexic herself, emphasising the importance of creating positive educational environments. She has spoken at various conferences and panels, including the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dyslexia, and have been published in numerous peer-reviewed and guest publications.

Helen serves as a Trustee for the British Dyslexia Association, Chair of the Wilshire Dyslexia Association, and Founder of Helen's Place - providing support, tuition, and research for families and teachers of children with Dyslexia and SEN.

Im Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, brought to you by re:think dyslexia. To keep up-to-date with all our news sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you haven’t done so yet, subscribe to your favourite podcast platform, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on the Dear Dyslexic podcast series.

In this episode, Shae speaks with Dana Neiger, Author/CHRO/Co-Founder at HIVE Talent Acquisition Firm

Dana's recruiting experience covers a wide range of industries such as accounting and finance, construction, engineering, light industrial and warehousing, sales and marketing, with a specialty in legal recruiting. Her human resources consulting background includes, training, payroll, sponsorship, HRIS, networking, social media and branding.

Dana is a graduate of the private women's college, Agnes Scott, located in Decatur, Georgia. She returns to campus multiple times a year to support their Summit program by volunteering for HR panels, LinkedIn seminars, interview preparation and other human resources related needs.

Outside of work, Dana enjoys spending time outdoors at sporting and live music events with her loving husband Dustin, their son Deagan and dogs, Gustav, Toni Bark and Donnie Barko.

This episode may contain sensitive discussions if you find any of this content distressing, seek support:

Life Line on 13 11 14

BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

This podcast has been proud and sponsored by a neurodivergent mixed family who love our podcasts. If you would like to sponsor a podcast contact [email protected] and help us continue to share stories of young people and adults with dyslexia and other neurodivergences!

Im Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker.

To keep up-to-date with all our news sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on the Dear Dyslexic podcast series.

This episode may contain sensitive discussions if you find any of this content distressing, seek support:

Life Line on 13 11 14

BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

Im Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on the Dear Dyslexic podcast series.

In this episode, Shae speaks with Craig Collinson. Shae and Craig share their insights into their research and Craig's fascinating topic Lexism” – the Othering and discrimination of dyslexics. This conversation may come across as a bit controversial, so we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the topic!

Craig is a UK dyslexic academic and a Researcher Development Fellow at Edge Hill University. He was born and brought up in the south of England; the first of his immediate family to go to university. Craig gained a First-class joint honours degree in Ancient History and History from Keele University and has an MA and MPhil in Medieval Studies from the University of Reading. He moved away from studying History to Philosophy and Education for his doctoral thesis. His PhD was on the social model of dyslexia; awarded by Edge Hill University. He has articles published in the British Journal of Special Education and Disability and Society. The primary focus of his work is “Lexism” – the Othering and discrimination of dyslexics. He now lives and works in Lancashire.

This episode may contain sensitive discussions if you find any of this content distressing, seek support:

Life Line on 13 11 14

BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636

Im Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on the Dear Dyslexic podcast series.

Every workplace needs a dyslexic or ten.

Problem solver. Lateral thinker. Emotionally intelligent.

Creative. Intuitive. Empathic.

People with dyslexia have the kind of strengths that help an organisation be more dynamic, innovative and forward-thinking. All it takes, with the help of HR and DEI, is the support our workplace programs provide. That’s the advantage of doing things differently.

In this special edition, Shae speaks with Sally Close (HR consultant), Kate Madden (CEO), and Lorna Berry Coordinator: Integrated Family Support from Hampton Park Community House about how together they implemented the re:think Workplace Inclusion Program and completely changed the way Hampton Park now works and supports their dyslexic employees. This program has been a game changer in creating more supportive and inclusive workplace practices and employing dyslexic employees to reach their full potential. through enabling access to dyslexia screening services, on-the-job support for dyslexic employees and workplace training.

Learn more about how this program can help you as a dyslexic employee and organisation:

Maximising productivity

Fostering inclusion

Cultivating a supportive workplace

We hope you enjoy this panel discussion and if you are dyslexic and need help or you're an employer and you want to join our innovative program then contact us at [email protected]

In this episode, Shae speaks with Ph.D. colleague and peer Bill Goh. Together they discuss a number of topics from accessing a diagnosis, educational trauma, advocacy and PhD life. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as Shae and Bill enjoy spending time unpacking life as Dyslexic PhD candidates.

A bit about Bill.

Trying to get an education with dyslexia resulted in me failing grade two and dropping out of school in grade twelve. I have very few fond memories of school. Yet, decades later I’m currently a Ph.D. student in marine biology. Also, I’m the first at my university, the second in South Australia, and one of a handful in our country to attain an assistant employed to help with my individual dyslexic deficit needs at the postgraduate level. I had to fight for this accommodation to help me learn computer coding. This fight took its toll on my research and me due to many personal to institutionalized roadblocks. Nonetheless, I’m still committed to achieving my goals. My university’s disability support services said I’m the most severely dyslexic person to attempt a PhD they have seen. Yet, I know there are more like me. I hope one day I and others will not be a novelty, and all will feel safe and secure at university.

Links to share:

https://twitter.com/billysgoh

https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/william.goh

Welcome to episode 58 with Nicci Richman. Nicci is a neurodivergent Organisational Development professional, supporting businesses to embrace inclusive design that optimises performance, productivity and belonging.

She is an effective Leader with a demonstrated history of working in a range of sectors, I bring strengths in building purposeful cultures, training and development, removing complexity, and streamlining processes.

Nicci's career has its foundations in social research, working on employee engagement surveys for multinational organisations. This insight led to my strong interest in listening to those at every level of the organisation when designing People systems and strategies.

Nicci has worked within the Professional Services, Education, Tech, Allied Health, Manufacturing and Community Service sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology and Political Science), and accredited certificates in Narrative Coaching, Mindfulness, Human Resources, Training and Education, and Business. She is also an accredited REACH Facilitator, DiSC Facilitator and a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI).