Talk PAD- Talk Positively about Dyslexia

Arran Smith has worked in many industries. He has worked in youth work, retail business and the not-for-profit sector. Arran has worked within the dyslexia sector for over 15 years, including with the Leicestershire Dyslexia Association (of which he has been the chairman) and the British Dyslexia Association in varied roles.

Last year Arran set up the National Dyslexic Show – the first of its kind in the UK, and to be held at the NEC. The Covid situation forced it online where it was a huge success – offering webinars, forums and much, much more, around work, education and the family.

Arran is the CEO of the SENDGROUP – an organisation for special educational needs support.

Arran is also Microsoft’s UK Special Educational Needs in England Dyslexia Consultant.

Arran Smith classes himself as one of the 4% of the population as a severely dyslexic adult. 4% of the British population is about 2.5 million people – or the combined population of Newcastle and Sheffield.

When Arran was aged 9 he was diagnosed with dyslexia and was lucky enough to have very supportive parents.

These days, Arran uses technology to support his needs and without technology he would not be doing what he is doing today.

He is passionate about inclusive design and making technology accessible for all. He aims to showcase how technology can be leveraged by students, teachers, and all to help them grow and succeed to their full potential.

Author, blogger of books, and mother – we welcome Paula Keane.
Born in Galway, Ireland, (the middle child of seven) Paula was fascinated more with the ancient myths of the Emerald Isle than in the menagerie of subjects required for school.
An atrocious student, she spent most of her school days dreaming about fantastical adventures and terrifying monsters.
Paula began her career as a student Veterinary nurse in the UK.
More than three years later, her first son was born.
Her husband’s career then took Paula back to Ireland.
Son number two was born, and Paula worked as an auxiliary nurse.
Then, the family moved to the USA.
Always an avid lover of science fiction and fantasy, Paula found herself drawn into a world that sprung to mind one night, in a dream.
Using the pen name ‘TP Keane’, Paula brought forth her mystical worlds in the form of her first epic fantasy novel, The Paladins of Naretia, which won first place in the Acclaimed Books writing contest, and her children’s novel, Dear Bob, The Misadventures of Petunia Pottersfield, which was also nominated for an award.
Her latest book is Kepler One: The Choosing (Kepler One Series Book 1)
Breaking News: One of the biggest Science Fiction magazines that there is – FANTASY AND SCIENCE FICTION – will be publishing one of Paula’s short stories in the July/August issue! This is a BIG DEAL!
Quotes:
“Writing is my biggest adventure and fictional worlds are my greatest playground.”
“Self-belief is crucial to following your dreams no matter what they are.”

When Andy Tucker left school he joined Johnsey Quad Racing in Newport as a team mechanic. He soon became the youngest quad bike Chief Mechanic in the UK, supporting the team to category and podium wins.
In 2007, Andy moved on to manage Skate Extreme, the legendary Newport skate park, until it was burnt down in 2010. Not only was Andy managing the day-today business, but he was involved in every aspect – health and safety, securing sponsorship, maintenance, stock-taking and sales.
At the same time, Andy was writing music for, and performing with an up-and-coming local Heavy Metal band.
In 2013, Andy was the victim of a life-changing road accident. Everything changed. Left with depression and PTSD, Andy experienced years of surgery and recovery, and coping with physical disabilities.
But a chance opportunity in 2019 allowed Andy to take part in one of Team Brit’s first ever Disability Motorsport Racing Academy sessions at Donington Race Circuit using adapted racing cars.
Andy then attended a rookie assessment day at Brands Hatch. In September 2019 he was invited to become a rookie driver with the team, competing in the GAZ shocks BMW 116 Trophy in 2020.
Andy competed in the Britcar Endurance Championship throughout 2020 alongside abled bodied drivers, securing three podium finishes and a strong result in the championship.
2021 will see Andy moving up two classes and fighting for the championship in Team Brit’s new BMW 240i.

Damian Joseph Bridgeman is a man with a huge and diverse array of talents, accomplishment, skills, interests, and experiences.
In the area of Health and Social Care, Damian has an honours degree. Damian has played a significant part in the creation and implementation of the Social Services and Wellbeing Act of 2014, and its companion act, the Regulation and Inspection Act of 2016, which were the most sweeping reforms ever seen by Social Services.
Damian has worked with all four Royal Medical Colleges helping them to construct higher scientific career pathways for the National School of Health Care Science, which has made him a thought-leader on Health and Social Care issues.
Damian currently works as an adviser to Welsh Government and is a non-executive director at Social Care Wales.
Damian has written many articles on healthcare and societal issues and has a number one bestselling autobiography called ‘I’m not a spaz. I’m safe!’
In the area of coaching and mentoring, Damian runs a successful coaching company specialising in executive coaching for government leaders, decision-makers and civil servants.
Damian has taken part in the Academi Wales summer School as a graduate, a facilitator of classes and as a coach for attendees.
Damian likes to work with ambitious organisations to develop the leaders of the future and unlock their full potential using coaching as the tool to achieve this.
Damian is now a fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management in recognition of his work in this field and is recognised by the European coaching and mentoring Council as a master coach. He is also a full member of the Institute of Directors and is currently the regional Chair.
Damian is a seasoned entrepreneur with a social mission. He believes in collaboration and using best contacts to enhance the performance or message of his endeavour. Damian runs another company which helps people with disabilities and their families to hire disability equipment and have it delivered to their hotels to help ease the difficulty of travelling with large amounts of bulky but essential items.
Damian is committed to health and fitness technology. He has invested in an app that allows you to see a doctor without waiting, which is currently being used to good effect by the NHS in the Coronavirus crisis, and another app that helps you to find inexpensive gyms where ever you are in the UK.

Every business that Damian goes into is a tool to bring about social change and to create services that are missing for people with disabilities.

Welcome to Mandy Whalley.

Mandy is an extremely experienced Specialist Occupational Therapist, who has worked extensively in the hospital and healthcare industry.

Among her many achievements, Mandy is a Health and Work Champion for the Royal College of Occupational Therapy and has worked with Public Health England and Salford University.

Mandy is on the National Executive Committee for the Royal College of Occupational Therapy and has also been co-opted onto the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Dyslexia.

In addition to all this, Mandy runs her own business, Tailored Employment Solutions providing assessments to support employers with making reasonable adjustments.

As a person with dyslexia herself, and experience of ADHD and ASD, Mandy is a passionate advocate for support services for people dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, ASD and other disabilities.
As such, Mandy has created the Empowerment Passport, which is an app, soon to be launched, and is a self-advocacy tool for people with disabilities