1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. Further Information Include speakers’ names and contact details
Human Resources contact
British Dyslexia Association
Is there a particular place (e.g. an intranet page) people can go to, to find more information? You may want to 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)

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