Adaptive PDFs for Dyslexic Students with Rellie

A weekend thought on how we build environments for people... Static environments kill innovation. I get to observe this reality through two very different lenses: 1. As Board Chair at Rellie (EdTech): I get to watch an incredible team eliminate the static PDF because it fails to adapt to neurodivergent students. 2. On the Enterprise team at Coder (IT Infrastructure): We are actively helping organizations eliminate the static, locked-down laptop because it fails to support high-velocity, AI-driven developers. The organizations that win the next decade won't be the ones forcing their people into rigid, legacy boxes. They will be the ones investing in dynamic infrastructure that adapts to the user in real-time. Love this update from the Rellie team! #neurodivergent #efficiency #aiautomation

One small shift that helps struggling readers: Don’t rush them. When a child is reading slowly, it’s often because they’re actually doing the right thing: decoding instead of guessing. Speed comes later. Accuracy comes first. For many kids with dyslexia, being told to “read faster” increases stress and leads to more guessing. That’s why structured practice matters: giving kids space to build skills step by step. It’s also something we think about deeply in ReadGenie. 📱 Download ReadGenie: https://lnkd.in/g-bcjnzT #Dyslexia #ScienceOfReading #EdTech #Parenting #Learning

One of the biggest myths in training design is that one format works for everyone. But learning isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially for neurodivergent learners. For example: • Dyslexic learners can benefit from text that’s read aloud while being highlighted • ADHD learners often benefit from audio that guides them through chunked visuals The problem isn’t audio. The problem is when audio just reads a dense paragraph on a static slide. Now both channels are delivering the same signal with no visual anchor. That’s called the redundancy effect. And it’s one of the easiest training mistakes to fix. Inclusive design isn’t about removing tools, it’s about using them intentionally. Curious what that looks like in practice? 👉 Free demo with our consultation call, schedule today at https://lnkd.in/euDFggH8 #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek #HotTake #DEI #InstructionalDesign #InclusiveDesign #NCW2026

Don’t let learners with dyslexia miss out on their potential. Our free Schools Guide to Dyslexia shows how technology can boost reading, spelling, writing - and wellbeing - with practical, evidence-backed strategies. There's something for every budget! Discover tools mapped to real classroom needs and see the difference thoughtful tech can make. 📥 Link to grab your copy below https://lnkd.in/ewmnsht9 #InclusiveEducation #Dyslexia #EdTech #Teachers #SEND

I’ve published a new public GitHub project: Neurodiversity Learning Lab. It’s a research-informed interactive learning project exploring neurodiversity through experience, not just explanation. The first module, Instruction and Interpretation, is designed as a short awareness exercise. It focuses on how unclear or shifting instructions can affect confidence, interpretation, and progress, particularly in relation to some ADHD-related experiences. This is not a diagnostic tool, and it does not claim to represent the full complexity of ADHD. Its aim is more modest and practical: to support reflection, discussion, and greater awareness of how instructional clarity can shape someone’s experience of a task. I care a great deal about neurodiversity advocacy, and with a scientific research background I tend to approach these ideas through research, structure, and practical design. I wanted to build something that feels thoughtful, grounded, and genuinely useful. This is part of a wider project, and I’m already working on further modules. If you’d like to explore it, test it, share constructive feedback, or suggest useful books, papers, or resources that could help inform future development, I’d genuinely welcome that. GitHub repo: https://lnkd.in/eegfHVJ8 #Neurodiversity #Accessibility #InclusiveDesign #ADHD #EdTech #LearningExperience #LearningDesign

By 8th grade, students need to demonstrate sophisticated text analysis skills: synthesizing evidence across multiple texts, making inferences, and supporting arguments with specific, relevant evidence. My 8th Grade Text Evidence and Cross-Text Mastery System provides rigorous, scaffolded practice that prepares students for standardized assessments while building genuine analytical skills. The system includes: 25 multiple choice questions 3 short answer prompts 2 argumentative essay prompts Full answer explanations for teacher and student support Complete answer key This resource is designed to support all learners, with particular attention to students with ADHD who benefit from structured practice and clear scaffolding. Explore the full system: https://lnkd.in/gQrCeCKN #Education #MiddleSchoolELA #TextEvidence #WritingSkills #TestPrep #ADHDEducation

It all started with teaching children aged 4 to 17. It was fun… and sometimes challenging. Over time, I noticed something interesting: children, teenagers, and adults are actually quite similar - but each group has its own specifics. Have you ever noticed how easily children absorb new information? While teaching, I saw how naturally they pick up new words and grammar - almost like sponges. Their understanding of video content improves quickly, and most of them adapt well to structured learning programs. It’s quite rare to revisit the same topic multiple times. Now, let’s talk about adults. Especially those aged 30-35 and above. With time, it often becomes harder to memorize new vocabulary or fully grasp grammar. And using it in real-life situations? That’s a completely different challenge. What’s even more surprising is how difficult it can be to actually want to use the language. This difference is not accidental. Research in neuroscience shows that children benefit from higher neuroplasticity - the brain’s ability to form and reorganize neural connections. This allows them to absorb language naturally through exposure. Studies by Patricia K. Kuhl demonstrate that early language learning is strongly linked to this brain flexibility, while adults tend to rely more on analytical thinking, which can slow down the process. (I’ll leave the research link in the comments.) So maybe the real question is not: “Why is it harder for adults?” But rather: “What approach actually works for them?” #EnglishLearning #AdultLearning #LearningPsychology #EdTech #BusinessEnglish

Teaching the alphabet can be even more engaging when you combine visual, movement, and hands-on learning. Using sign language alongside cut-and-paste activities helps students with autism strengthen letter recognition while supporting communication and fine motor skills. Read the full article here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gCsKRyzT

🧙♀️ Authentic nonfiction + rigorous standards = engaged 6th graders The Viking Seeresses (völva) held real power in Norse society—and this lesson brings their fascinating story into your classroom with scaffolded reading, multiple assessment formats, and writing support built in. Perfect for: ✓ Test prep & standardized testing ✓ Independent reading practice ✓ Whole-class instruction ✓ ADHD learners & struggling readers ✓ Building confidence in reading & writing This is what standards-aligned, ADHD-friendly instruction looks like. No fluff. Just rigorous, engaging learning. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eK7teKjE #MiddleSchoolELA #StandardsAligned #ADHDFriendly #ReadingComprehension #WritingInstruction #TeacherResources #lightupliteratureDebraShepherd

Building stronger readers and writers starts with mastering text evidence. Our new **8th Grade Text Evidence Assessment Set 3** helps educators teach this critical skill with confidence and clarity. Designed with ADHD-friendly scaffolding and rigorous standards alignment, this resource supports diverse learners in identifying, explaining, and using textual evidence effectively. Key features: • Real, high-interest nonfiction passages • Scaffolded support for struggling readers • Complete answer key with explanations • Flexible test prep and no-prep options • Standards-aligned rigor for middle school Whether you're teaching in a traditional classroom, homeschool setting, or supporting students with ADHD, this assessment builds the foundational skills students need for success in reading and writing. Discover how Light Up Literature™ Curriculum makes ELA instruction clearer and more effective for every learner. 👉 https://lnkd.in/gCBkz7rD #MiddleSchoolELA #TextEvidence #TeacherResources #ADHDFriendly #CurriculumDesign #LightUpLiterature #lightupliteratureDebraShepherd