AI, AT and Me: Empowering Dyslexic Practitioners and Learners
AI, AT and Me: Empowering Dyslexic Practitioners and Learners
Presenter: David Curran
Free to members/£10 + VAT to Non-members
-
Date
07 Oct 2025 -
Time
03:30 PM -
Duration
1 hour(s) -
Venue
Online -
Contact
Session Aims:
To explore ...
How digital tools (especially AI and AT) can support dyslexic learners
How the same tools can empower dyslexic and neurodiverse professionals
Practical strategies to promote consistent, inclusive use of technology across education and careers settings
Proposed Structure:
David will set the context for why dyslexia awareness must include staff as well as students. He'll present a quick snapshot of his role at Moon Hall and the school’s dyslexia-first environment, and the shift from “accommodations” to normalised inclusive practice
He'll share details of tools that support learners and practitioners, such as text-to-speech and speech-to-text: how these go beyond access arrangements and level the field for reading, writing, and thinking. He'll also talk about chatbots and prompting: Using FuturesBot and AI Resource Assistants as examples, and he'll show how the Accessibility prompting (ACCESS model) demonstrates that small tweaks in AI use can unlock inclusion for both learners and professionals.
David will discuss the invisible struggles (organisation, memory load, admin-heavy systems) of the dyslexic or neurodivergent practitioner. He will explain why AI is a cognitive support, not a replacement, shifting the culture from “coping strategies” to designing for difference. And he'll explore how AI tools can reduce cognitive overwhelm, simplify tasks, and make CPD more accessible.
We'll ask the question "How can we upskill colleagues for inclusive technology use?" and consider what every practitioner should know to avoid bias in prompts, make use of built-in AT (Microsoft 365, Google tools, etc.), and support both student and staff neurodiversity through everyday tech. David will offer CPD tips and inclusive digital habits as well as signposting to his playbook, British Dyslexia Assocation Style Guide, Scope, and NAS resources.
There will be time for Q&A and a live demonstration of an AT tool in action.
Presenter Bio: David Curran is Head of Careers and Assistive Technology at Moon Hall School Reigate, a specialist school for students with dyslexia. With over 20 years in education across Design & Technology, Computing, and Careers, he leads the integration of inclusive technologies to support both learners and staff. David designs AI-powered tools such as FuturesBot to support accessible CEIAG delivery, and he is the author of several AI in Education Playbooks, including Prompting for Accessibility. He also delivers national CPD on AI, assistive tech, and digital inclusion, advocating for ethical, neurodivergent-friendly approaches to innovation in schools.
To explore ...
How digital tools (especially AI and AT) can support dyslexic learners
How the same tools can empower dyslexic and neurodiverse professionals
Practical strategies to promote consistent, inclusive use of technology across education and careers settings
Proposed Structure:
David will set the context for why dyslexia awareness must include staff as well as students. He'll present a quick snapshot of his role at Moon Hall and the school’s dyslexia-first environment, and the shift from “accommodations” to normalised inclusive practice
He'll share details of tools that support learners and practitioners, such as text-to-speech and speech-to-text: how these go beyond access arrangements and level the field for reading, writing, and thinking. He'll also talk about chatbots and prompting: Using FuturesBot and AI Resource Assistants as examples, and he'll show how the Accessibility prompting (ACCESS model) demonstrates that small tweaks in AI use can unlock inclusion for both learners and professionals.
David will discuss the invisible struggles (organisation, memory load, admin-heavy systems) of the dyslexic or neurodivergent practitioner. He will explain why AI is a cognitive support, not a replacement, shifting the culture from “coping strategies” to designing for difference. And he'll explore how AI tools can reduce cognitive overwhelm, simplify tasks, and make CPD more accessible.
We'll ask the question "How can we upskill colleagues for inclusive technology use?" and consider what every practitioner should know to avoid bias in prompts, make use of built-in AT (Microsoft 365, Google tools, etc.), and support both student and staff neurodiversity through everyday tech. David will offer CPD tips and inclusive digital habits as well as signposting to his playbook, British Dyslexia Assocation Style Guide, Scope, and NAS resources.
There will be time for Q&A and a live demonstration of an AT tool in action.
Presenter Bio: David Curran is Head of Careers and Assistive Technology at Moon Hall School Reigate, a specialist school for students with dyslexia. With over 20 years in education across Design & Technology, Computing, and Careers, he leads the integration of inclusive technologies to support both learners and staff. David designs AI-powered tools such as FuturesBot to support accessible CEIAG delivery, and he is the author of several AI in Education Playbooks, including Prompting for Accessibility. He also delivers national CPD on AI, assistive tech, and digital inclusion, advocating for ethical, neurodivergent-friendly approaches to innovation in schools.