18-year-old develops game-changing programme for dyslexic kids
Tackling one of the most widespread learning difficulties in schools around New Zealand, innovative online learning
programme Dyslexia Potential is the new kid on the block.
Founded by Matt Strawbridge, a dyslexic himself, this unique course is far from textbook learning. The course content is
highly interactive, with video-based lessons and tactile activities that kids can take offline. Parents can follow their
child’s journey through the course, and help them keep track of their progress with a star chart.
Matt never ceases to be astounded at the lack of support for young dyslexics: “An estimated 7-10% of the population
suffer from dyslexia, yet from personal experience I know that parents still struggle to find adequate resources to help
their kids get through school,” he says. “This is the problem we aim to solve.”
He explains that Dyslexia Potential takes holistic approach, helping kids with more than just reading and writing.
“Everything we do and strive to achieve at Dyslexia Potential is to ensure that dyslexic students are able to use
dyslexia to have a positive impact on their own life and in the world around them,” explains Matt.
The programme builds kids’ confidence and self-esteem by helping them develop their dyslexic strengths (such as
creativity, leadership and compassion). These strengths, called ‘dyslexic superpowers’, are the dyslexic’s toolkit for
overcoming challenges in every aspect of life.
Kids will also learn strategies for dealing with stress in the classroom, create their own fun ways for learning how to
spell, and discover successful dyslexics – just like them – who they can look up to as role models.
Dyslexia Potential was originally founded as an online club for dyslexic kids in 2013 by Matt, then thirteen. Matt’s
vision has always been to ensure no kid ever feels the same way he did at school.
Since its inception, Dyslexia Potential has been tested in dozens of different forms and iterations, including videos,
blog posts, workshops and one-on-one tutoring. The team have traveled throughout New Zealand delivering workshops to
over 2,000 people, and they have reached a further 70,000 people online. This website is the culmination of everything
they have learned so far.
To find out more about Dyslexia Potential, visit the website: https://dyslexiapotential.co.nz/
Or attend the Parents Support Evening at the Southern Cross in Wellington on Monday 26 March: http://bit.ly/2HXo3ej
ENDS