In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Laura Cook, who left school at 18, discovered her dyslexia through support work at De Montfort University, and went on to build the Learning Support Centre, now providing specialist support to thousands of higher-education students and neurodivergent NHS trainees. Laura explains how neurodivergent needs often surface under workplace pressure, and introduces Skill Bridge, her newer venture offering end-to-end support for neurodivergent apprentices and employees, including screening, workplace needs assessments, strategy coaching, assistive technology, and training. The conversation explores differences between university and apprenticeship funding, how support is accessed via apprenticeship providers, the challenges of dual funding with Access to Work delays, and practical inclusive management steps like clear agendas, minutes, and effective training on tools.

This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers.

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Links:

Ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/
What is Dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia
How to Mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners
Laura’s Linkedin: Laura Cook | LinkedIn
For any inquiries, please email michelle@skillbridgesolutions.co.uk
Skill Bridge website: https://www.skillbridgesolutions.co.uk/
Learning Support Centre website: The Learning Support Centre - Neurodivergent & Disability Specialists
Learning Support ACA website: Home | Learning Support Aca
British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
SEND: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs
SEN Support: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/special-educational-needs-support
Disabled Students Allowance: https://www.ivvi.app/dsa-for-dyslexia
Digital catapult: https://www.digicatapult.org.uk/
innovate UK: https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/

Interested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app