Ben Foss & Headstrong Nation website for dyslexics

[allreading]

Every dyslexic child and adult should take a look at the spectacular website for the non-profit organization called Headstrong Nation, devoted to information about, resources for, and advocacy for, dyslexia. The URL is www.headstrongnation.org

Almost everything on the website can be LISTENED to rather than read. The videos on the site are exceptionally well done.

The president of Headstrong Nation is Ben Foss, a brilliant, dyslexic man in his early 30's. He is severely dyslexic. Although he can barely read, and uses computer technology to speed-read text to him out loud, he has a law degree and MBA from Stanford University (joint degree program). He is a dynamic, inspiring speaker (he spoke to an IDA teen symposium and wowed the kids), and now works at Intel Corporation as the Head Researcher for Assistive Technology in the Digital Health Group. There he develops information technology systems to help people with disabilities gain independence. Before law/graduate school, Ben worked for the White House National Economic Council and for the Children’s Defense Fund in Washington, D.C. He was recently engaged to an assistant professor of special education (!) at San Francisco State.

[Mayleng]

Thank you.

[healthy11]

I'll pass this on to the disability coordinator at my son's school...thank you.

[michellea]

Thanks for posting this. There was a member at Schwab learning (can't remember who) that saw Ben Foss at a conference. She had mentioned how inspiring he is. I'm so glad you posted his website!

I'm in the midst of scheduling presenters for my son's LD school speakers series......... He would be wonderful. I'll contact him and keep my fingers crossed that he'll be on the east coast and have a very low rate..........

I love what he says in the ACT section:

"Parents and teachers who fought for the rights of dyslexic children were pioneers in their day, standing for the premise that all children deserve a free and appropriate education. They should be commended. The best way we, as dyslexic individuals, can pay tribute to the pioneers of our cause is to act on our rights by taking advantage of the accommodations and tools available to us."

When I think of how my son could express appreciation to his teachers and school. I realize that being able to move forward, self advocate, and use his strategies would be the best form of gratitude.