Booost at the Dyslexia Show

As the Booost Education team prepares for the Dyslexia Show 2024, putting the finishing touches to the stand (number D102 - come and say hello) and boxing up our famous bright yellow Booost balls, I wanted to tell you more about the event and why it should be on your radar.

This important show takes place at the NEC in Birmingham on the 15th and 16th of March and is unmissable for anyone passionate about fostering diversity and inclusion in their workplace or institution.

Making a positive change

The primary aim of the event is to empower and provide understanding to those with dyslexia and neurodivergence to drive positive change and make a difference in society.

This message resonated with Booost founders Tim Jones and Laura Penfold, who have spent over 20 years working alongside dyslexic and neurodivergent students, helping them achieve their full potential in higher education through personalised assessments.

These experiences and interactions led them to create Booost and Luna and gave them invaluable insight into the students’ lives as they navigated university.

Laura tells us how the students she had the privilege of meeting each had a unique journey:

‘’Despite having similar diagnoses, the students I met all experienced their conditions in different ways. I was interested in their perspective on the educational system and was always impressed by the strategies some had put in place and the barriers they had overcome.

It's these personal differences that highlight the importance of support being tailored to each individual - a package of tools and resources that level the playing field. The earlier this support is put in place, the better, so students (and others) can better understand their condition and thrive not only in school but in their daily lives too.’’

This support starts at home, with parents and carers often being the first to notice differences in reading, writing, communication and comprehension. It’s then at pre-school and primary that specific learning difficulties are usually identified, but this doesn’t always mean a straightforward path to diagnosis and support, leaving families confused about where to turn next.

What should you be looking for? What happens now? What help is needed, and where do you find it?

Get the support you need

The Dyslexia Show offers assistance to families, giving them access to resources, organisations and guidance from professionals. Likewise, for individuals looking to understand their conditions and arm themselves with knowledge.

Education leaders are also catered for and can come along to network with like-minds and discover innovative teaching methods and best practices.

What about the workplace? More than 15% of people in the UK are neurodivergent, so employers must ensure that they create an inclusive environment where people feel supported and understood.

These different thinkers are a huge asset to the workforce bringing unique skills, perspectives and creativity. For organisations looking to understand and unlock the potential of dyslexia and neurodivergence, the show also provides training and guidance in the form of seminars and CPD sessions.

Come and see us

As well as these key feature zones and seminars from a whole host of specialist speakers, there will also be the chance to meet exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge assistive technology, products and services.

And that’s where we will be, ready to show you how Booost and Luna can make learning a little better.

Sharing the stand and complementing our study apps is Ultima Works; providing a range of connected services to enable neurodivergent and disabled individuals to thrive in their educational and professional lives. Make sure you stop by for chocolate and a chat with Amy to find out how they can build a bespoke package of support for your institution.

Claire, our Education Relationship Manager, recently shared her own story about dyslexia, which perfectly sums up the importance of embracing difference.

See you at the show.