Right to Read

Jake Sussman, Westport Native and Founder of Superpower Mentors, developed one of the world's most effective online mentoring programs designed to empower youth and young adults with learning differences. In this episode, Jake recalls the challenges of being a student with hidden learning disabilities and how his journey, although painful at times, fueled him to launch an organization that would propel the potential of neurodiverse students. 

Key Takeaways:

• “You can't teach a kid how to learn anything when their entire relationship with it[education] is pain.”

• The mission of Superpower Mentors is to empower the next generation of neurodiverse thinkers to confidently succeed in any environment.

• The organization is known for its match of mentor-mentees. The pairs are neurodiverse with disabilities including dyslexia, ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and Tourettes.

• Mentorship supports the child and the family because families should not have to go this journey alone. 

Links from the episode:

• Superpower Mentors

• Joseph James Morelli Foundation

• The Forgotten Child: A Poem Dedicated to the neurodiverse

This episode brings together the insights of three non-attorney special education advocates: Robin Beauchemin, Megan Hunemuller, and Catherine Scholl, all of whom are members of Right to Read Advocacy. Their personal experience of supporting their dyslexic children propelled each of them to pursue professional advocacy. Learn what they know now as advocates that they wish they had a better understanding of as parents when they first started the special education journey. 

Key Takeaways:

• If you have a feeling that something is off with your child, do not delay, trust your instincts. 

• As a parent, you have the right request an evaluation for special education, which provides insight into whether the child has a disability and if they need specialized instruction and support. 

• As a parent, you are the expert on your child and you’re an equal member of the IEP team.

• Be sure to document any concerns/requests by putting them in writing and sharing them with the school. Also, ask for the school team for documentation through Prior Written Notice. 

Links from the episode:

• Prior Written Notice

• Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates

• Dyslexia Training Institute