BDA Dyslexia Network Presentation Template Presentation Slides and Notes (initial template draft by the British Dyslexia Association) [Please also refer to the BDA Dyslexia Networks Toolkit] This template is a starting point for you to make your own depending on the requirements of your own organization and aims of your network. The B.D.A Dyslexia Networks Toolkit contains a lot of information and suggestions on setting up a dyslexia network which we suggest you read in conjunction with this template. Who is your Audience? Senior stakeholders? Dyslexia network members? Others? What do you want to achieve? Educate and inform Inspire/interest and persuade Entertain Grab and hold attention

Agenda Introduction What is Dyslexia and Neurodiversity? Network The good and the bad Network Aims Guest Speaker Further Information / Questions Through out the presentation, it can work well to refer to personal experience to give colour to the information on the slides

What is Dyslexia and Neurodiversity? Dyslexia is a combination of abilities and difficulties that affect the learning process in one or more of reading, spelling and writing Dyslexic minds process information differently has dyslexia and/or a related condition 15% of the population dyslexic or dyscalculic etc higher for entrepreneurs and creative roles One in seven people This section of the presentation is to set the scene and provide context to your audience. We are focusing on Dyslexia, but you may wish to expand your network to wider neuro diversity You may also want to mention that employers have a duty under the Equality Act to make reasonable adjustments to support dyslexic employees. Related conditions to dyslexia: ‘Neurodiversity’ is an umbrella term relating to the diversity of the human brain and neurocognitive functioning. It encompasses both ‘neurotypical’ and ‘neurodivergent’ individuals including AD(H)D; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Dyslexia; Dyspraxia.

What is Dyslexia? Potential Positives Potential Challenges Creative Innovative Proactive Self starter Strong verbal communication Problem solving Tenacious Speed of processing Short-term memory Personal Organisation Sequencing Written language Word retrieval Motor skills It is important to stress that each individual’s experience of dyslexia is different, and some are more severely affected than others You could search your organisation’s recruitment page to find examples of where the positive traits listed above are stated to be desirable in a candidate. This could indicate that your organisation is in need of dyslexics

Why do we Need a Network? Assume your organisation has dyslexics! Every person’s experience of dyslexia is different There is limited awareness of neurodiversity and dyslexia A supportive network is good for business, increasing well being and productivity A survey by ACAS found employers could benefit from having employees who ‘think differently’ and have particular strengths, provided it was possible to put in place ways of minimising any areas of weakness. (ACAS Neurodiversity at work research paper, Helen Bewley and Anitha George (National Institute of Economic and Social Research). ) It may be helpful to answer the question ‘why this and why now?’ for your audience You may wish to work with your HR team to identify employee needs which could be addressed through such a network

Aims of the Network Education and Awareness Practical Support and Signposting Promoting Dyslexia as an Asset Network and Community Do you have an overarching aim for your network? Or does it need to respond to a particular need in your organisation? You may wish to end this section of the presentation by talking through the three key actions you/the network will do over the next 3-6 months. This gives your audience a clear view of what to expect next.

Guest Speaker This could be: Someone senior in your organisation? Someone from your wider network? A paid speaker form the BDA? Make sure the speaker has a clear understanding of what is the purpose of their section and how long they have to speak

Further Information Include speakers’ names and contact details Human Resources contact British Dyslexia Association www.bdadyslexia.org.uk Is there a particular place (e.g. an intranet page) people can go to, to find more information? You may want to email a link to attendees after the presentation You may wish to also refer to the B.D.A. Helpline (for dyslexia-related queries, including assessment and specialist teacher-training queries)

Questions Try to allow plenty of time for questions, or ask people to email you to follow up after the presentation