Digital Accessibility and Dyslexia Advocacy, featuring Jeannette Washington M.Ed.

Did you know that October is Dyslexia Awareness Month?

To celebrate neurodiversity this month – and everyday! – I’m sharing resources from Jeannette Washington, M.Ed., experienced educator working at the intersection of technology, accessibility, and dyslexia advocacy.

Jeannette shares incredibly valuable resources for educators on her Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and website.

I will be resharing some of these resources in today’s blog post, and I highly recommend you check out Jeannette’s work to learn more in-depth, research-based strategies for supporting learners who are dyslexic.

About Jeannette Washington, M.Ed.

Jeannette Washington, M.Ed. has worked as a speech and language pathologist, software engineer and educator. She empowers those with special abilities to pursue employment in the tech industry. Jeannette’s love for technology is documented in her book Technical Difficulties: Why Dyslexic Narratives Matter in Tech. Currently she works within the intersection of technology, accessibility and social justice.

Resource #1: Technical Difficulties: Why Dyslexic Narratives Matter in Tech

In the edtech space, we often hear educators discuss the “21st century jobs” that our students will have one day. As the tech industry continues to grow and evolve, our students today will become the drivers of change tomorrow. Because of this, I continue to revisit my curriculum, as a teacher and edtech coach, to see how I can better support all learners.

In her book Technical Difficulties: Why Dyslexic Narratives Matter in Tech, Jeannette provides insight into diversity and accessibility in tech:

“There has never been a better time to consider how your skills can be harnessed within the tech industry. Tech is driving change in almost every major industry and so can you. Be on the front line of solving important issues, re-engineering ecosystems and contributing to meaningful change. The tech jobs of tomorrow require your narrative. After all, technology will only be as good as the people that it does the least for.”

Check out Jeannette’s book here.

Resource #2: If Technology is to be Revolutionary, We Need Everyone at the Table (Episode 29)

A few months ago, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Jeannette on the EdTech Classroom Podcast. In our conversation, Jeannette discusses the importance of bringing “everyone [to] the table” in order to revolutionize the tech (and edtech) industries.

Our conversation specifically centers around digital accessibility and strategies for supporting all learners with technology.

To hear our conversation, press play here. View the transcription here.

Resource #3: Instagram Account @bearly_articulating

Jeannette also shares research and tips on her social media accounts, including Instagram. I am sharing a few posts from 2021 in the images below.

“Dyslexia is identifiable with 92% accuracy between ages 5.5 and 6.5.”

“4 Virtual Learning Tips for Dyslexics: (1) Login 30 minutes before class to prepare your capacity for learning. (2) Write or print class notes to highlight important points. (3) Isolate the class objective and identify steps to meet the objective. (4) Request accommodations – video and audio support, graphic organizer, extra time.”

“Apps for the visually impaired: Via, Color ID, Talking Calculator, Dragon Dictation, TapTapSee, SayText, Light Detector, Bee My Eyes- Helping Blind See, Visual Brailler. Apps for learners with writing difficulties: Alpha Writer, The Writing Machine, iWrite Words, ABC Pocket Phonics, Letter School, Word Magic.”

Thank You!

Thank you for reading this week’s blog post celebrating Dyslexia Awareness Month. I’d love to hear other resources, research, or tips you might have. You can let me know by commenting below, DMing me on Instagram @edtechclass, or emailing me at myedtechclassroom@gmail.com.

Disclaimer: This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase, I may receive a portion of the sale, at no extra cost to you. I only share links that I absolutely love!