
In this heartfelt episode of The Writing Glitch Podcast, host Cheri Dotterer, an Occupational Therapist and recovering dysgraphic, delves into the transformative power of play and emotional learning with guest Paul Zolman. Zolman discovered an unconventional path to aiding children's social and emotional development through his groundbreaking game and shared his journey from personal struggles to inspiring change in educational settings. This game, rooted in the principles of the Five Love Languages, offers a simple yet profound way to enhance self-regulation, leadership, and classroom engagement with no pencil required. Join us as we explore how this game not only addresses dysgraphia but also sows the seeds of empathy, understanding, and self-awareness in young minds.Quote from Paul Zolman:"Through this game, we're not just teaching children to recognize and express love in various forms but also empowering them to take ownership of their emotions and actions. It's about transforming our approach from one of reacting to one of responding with intention. My hope is that by integrating these practices into daily routines, we can create a more compassionate, understanding world where every child feels valued and understood."Contact: Paul Zolman Role of Love https://roleoflove.com/Cheri Dotterer. https://www.cheridotterer.com/
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Feb 13, 2024
38 min

In today's episode, we leave school and enter the workplace with special guest, Katherine McCord, HR Diversity Specialist. Having disabilities herself, she is sensitive to the impact diversity and inclusion have on long-term employment. She provides actionable insights and resources to support and advocate for neurodiverse individuals. Bio: Katherine is neurodiverse (Bipolar, OCD, Misophonia) and physically diverse (multiple diagnoses including a seizure disorder). She says, "My neurodiversity is my superpower!"My missions are integrity, innovation, and inclusion. I enjoy speaking and providing actionable advice about:* Entrepreneurship* Breaking the ego mechanism to respond in curiosity* Vulnerability and psychological safety* Leadership* Neurodiversity* Diversity and inclusion (inclusion cannot be exclusive!!)* Innovating hiring and HR* HR Tech* General empowermentNotable Quote:"Neurodiversity is not a deficit; it's just a difference. It does have its challenges, but there are also benefits. By understanding and accommodating these differences, we can transform workplaces and educational settings into more inclusive, productive environments. It's about breaking down barriers and responding with curiosity and flexibility."Contact: Katherine McCordKMcCord SpeakingContact Cheri:Cheridotterer.com
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Jan 23, 2024
40 min

In this inspiring episode, we delve into the unique and motivating journey of Hillary Glaser, who overcame her personal challenges with reading comprehension and dysgraphia to carve a successful path in digital marketing and dedicated her business to her mother and stepmother. As a mother of children with ADHD and autism, Hillary shares her insights on the importance of individualized education and the use of assistive technologies in enhancing learning experiences. The conversation also explores the intersection of these personal experiences with her professional expertise in SEO and web accessibility, providing a fascinating look at how personal challenges can transform into professional strengths.She mentions the difference between dyslexia and hyperlexia. Listen in to learn the difference.Significant Quote:"One of the most powerful things I've learned through my journey and experiences, both as a professional in digital marketing and as a mother, is the profound impact of understanding and accommodating individual learning needs. Whether it's adapting to hyperlexia or leveraging assistive technologies for my children, these experiences have deeply influenced my approach to creating inclusive and accessible digital content. It's about recognizing that at the heart of every challenge lies an opportunity to innovate and empower." - Hillary GlaserContact Hillaryhttps://www.ellienjojo.co/Contact Cherihttps://www.cheridotterer.com/Don't forget to subscribe and write a review. Let the podcast hosting companies know that you value this guest.
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Jan 9, 2024
45 min

In today's episode, Cheri engages in a profound conversation with Russell Van Brocklen, a dyslexia specialist from Westlake, New York. Russell shares his unique journey of overcoming dyslexia and details his innovative approach, known as the Writing Method, which has significantly improved the writing skills of high school students with dyslexia. Dive into a discussion that spans from personal struggles to groundbreaking research, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of dyslexia, dysgraphia, and related conditions. This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone interested in the neurobiology of learning disabilities.Bio: Russell combined the brain research in Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz with the three default writing strategies in Strategies for Struggling Writers by James Collins while in graduate school. As a result, his initial research program was funded by the New York State Senate and is owned by the SUNY Research Foundation.He found that motivated high school students with dyslexia increased their writing skills by 7 to 8-grade levels in one academic year. His approach is called The Writing Method.Russell presented at The Everyone Reading Conference in Manhattan in 2006 and from 2014 to 2019. He also presented in November 2018 at a conference by The Learning Disability Association of NJ.Notable Quote:"What we're going to do is we're going to force the brain to organize itself, by using writing as a measurable output. Again, we're going to force the brain to organize itself by using writing as a measurable output."https://dyslexiaclasses.com/
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Dec 26, 2023
39 min

In today's episode, Cheri delves into the world of digital solutions for learning disabilities. Joined by Marty Schultz, co-founder of Objective Ed, they explore groundbreaking tools designed for students with dyslexia, visual impairments, and other reading challenges. Discover how Objective Ed's digital curriculum, including the Braille AI tutor and Buddy Books, transforms the educational experience for students across the country. Cheri shares her personal journey with dysgraphia, offering insights into overcoming learning obstacles. Marty sheds light on the impact of their products in enhancing reading fluency and confidence, revealing how technology can revolutionize learning for those who struggle with traditional methods.Bio: Marty is a cofounder of ObjectiveEd, which builds a reinforcement digital curriculum for students with disabilities. He has coordinated several NSF, NIH, and HHS grants for developing products for students who have dyslexia and students with vision impairments. ObjectiveEd products are used in hundreds of school districts, including some of the largest districts in the country. He has degrees from Carnegie-Mellon University and Harvard Business School.https://www.objectiveed.com/Notable Quote: "Anytime you can share that with the computer, kids love being with a computer, playing on it, and having it interact with them. As you've heard at the beginning, the voice on the reading, even though it's a computer-based voice, sounds even better than Siri or Alexa. So kids really like to read with that computer." - Marty Schultz.Cheridotterer.comthewritingglitch.com
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Dec 12, 2023
29 min

Today's episode is from a masterclass that I presented several years ago. Form Constancy is a visual perceptual concept that impacts letters like b,d,p,q or numbers 2 and 5. The event began by defining dysgraphia. If you need to see images, check out the YouTube channel @cheridotterer.Introduction:The episode starts with an exploration of dysgraphia and its impact on written expression, spelling, and more.The host mentions their background as an OT (Occupational Therapist) and their goal to establish correlations between OT concepts and dysgraphia.Segment 1: Foundations of DysgraphiaDysgraphia is introduced as a condition encompassing various aspects, including sensory motor development, visual-spatial relationships, and memory.The host categorizes dysgraphia into three levels:The basic foundation, involving sensory motor and neurological development.Word and sentence formation, which is language-based.Paragraph formation, which relates to conversational writing styles.Segment 2: Dyslexia vs. DysgraphiaA listener question about the difference between dyslexia and dysgraphia is addressed.Dyslexia is explained as a reading difficulty or intake issue, while dysgraphia pertains to output issues in writing.Mention is made of dyscalculia, another related condition.The importance of considering oral expression, such as dyspraxia of speech, in understanding dysgraphia is emphasized.Segment 3: Cognitive Level of DysgraphiaThe highest level of dysgraphia is discussed, focusing on cognitive aspects and their connection to conversational speech.The host introduces the topic of "form constancy" and its link to abstract thought.A quote from the host's book mentioning the connection between form constancy and abstract thought is mentioned.Segment 4: Form Constancy and Abstract ThoughtThe episode delves into the concept of form constancy and its significance.The host explains how form constancy issues can affect a child's abstract thinking abilities.Segment 5: Audience QuestionsThe host invites questions from the audience regarding dysgraphia or any related topics discussed in the episode.Conclusion:The episode wraps up with a reminder of the main topic, dysgraphia, and the opportunity for listeners to ask more questions in future episodes.Outro:The host thanks the audience for tuning in and encourages them to subscribe for more insightful discussions on various learning and developmental topics.CEU Discount Code: BlackFriYAY2023 Expires December 2, 2023Act Fast to get your CEU Discount.Courses.cheridotterer.com
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Nov 28, 2023
37 min

Join us in this transformative episode as we dive deep into the world of dyslexia and dysgraphia, exploring the personal journeys, challenges, and breakthroughs experienced by those who have navigated these learning difficulties. From the very beginning, we set the stage with an insightful discussion on overcoming reading struggles with our guest expert, Lois Letchford, a renowned reading specialist who has turned her own journey with dyslexia into a beacon of hope for others.Ever wondered about the link between early childhood ear infections and language development? We've got you covered! Letchford unravels the challenges of teaching children with dyslexia, providing valuable insights on strategies that work. Discover the transformative power of connecting oral and written language through poetry and playwriting, and learn how even the most complex texts can be made accessible and enjoyable to students with reading difficulties.As we venture further, we unveil teaching strategies specifically designed for students with dysgraphia, with Cheri Dotterer discussing her upcoming book "Math Disconnected" and the pivotal role of concrete, semi-concrete, and abstract teaching methods. Lois Letchford chimes in, sharing innovative ideas to bring these methods to life, urging listeners to take action in their own educational settings.This episode is not just a collection of stories and strategies; it's a call to action, an invitation to understand, empathize, and empower. Whether you're a teacher, parent, professional, or someone navigating dyslexia or dysgraphia personally, this podcast is a treasure trove of knowledge, inspiration, and practical advice. Don't miss out on the chance to transform your approach to learning and teaching, and join us on this journey of empowerment and discovery.Lois LetchfordCheri Dotterer
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Nov 17, 2023
27 min

Today's guest is no stranger to the world of dyslexia. Russ Loyd has taken his love of technology and dyslexia and merged them into a website that curates all documents about dyslexia. Inside the episode, Russ and Cheri discussDiscussion on the inception and importance of a digital platform for consolidating neurodiversity resources.Russ's personal journey with dyslexia and his involvement with Providence Charter School.The role of technology in dyslexia remediation.Insights into how artificial intelligence (AI) can assist people with dyslexia.Celebrating dyslexic celebrities and their accomplishments.The U.S. federal law on dyslexia education for K-12 teachers.Key Points and Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction of the episode and guest.[02:14] About 'Just Like': Consolidating the web for neurodiversity information.[04:30] Russ's personal connection to dyslexia.[07:20] The importance of vetting technological tools for neurodiversity.[09:05] Episode sponsor: Dr. Educational Consulting Center.[11:12] How AI is shaping the future of dyslexia remediation.[13:50] A glimpse into 'Just Like's' AI-curated content.[16:40] Celebrating dyslexic celebrities and breaking stereotypes.[18:50] U.S. federal law on dyslexia education.[20:35] The importance of structured literacy programs across all subjects.[22:10] Emphasizing the achievements of dyslexics and their positive impact.[24:40] Conclusion and a look into the future of dyslexia remediation.Links & Resources:Just Like Platform - A consolidated platform for neurodiversity resources.Providence Charter School - A charter school in Pittsburgh specializing in dyslexia remediation.GPT-4 by OpenAI - A mention of the powerful language model.List of dyslexic celebrities - Articles and resources showcasing the achievements of dyslexics in various fields.Quotable Moments:"Only you can be you, so let's embrace that and show young learners that they can overcome.""AI will change everything or change the life of education.""Dyslexia touches everything... It's amazing how many successful people have transcended their dyslexia to achieve."Episode Closing:You were put here for such a time as this!dyslexiacampus.comCheridotterer.com
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Oct 24, 2023
30 min

Join Cheri on this Special Edition of The Writing Glitch is PA House Representative Jason Ortitay. He discusses the importance of mandating education for writing skills, as many teachers struggle to teach writing effectively.PA House Bill 998 and Senate Bill 801:The interviewee explains that both bills aim to introduce legislation related to education.The bills have the same content but different bill numbers.The bills have bipartisan support, with Republican and Democrat co-primes in both the House and Senate.The interviewee emphasizes that the bills' primary goal is to improve education, irrespective of political affiliations.Key Provisions of the Bills:Early Screenings:Kindergarten through third-grade students will be screened three times a year to track progress.The goal is to ensure students are on track with their reading skills and provide support if needed.The interviewee emphasizes the importance of proficient reading skills by the end of third grade.Individualized Plans:If students are falling behind in their reading skills, they will receive individualized improvement or reading plans.Teachers, parents, and students will collaborate on these plans to prevent students from falling further behind.Cost Savings:The interviewee highlights the cost savings associated with early intervention.Educating students with special needs costs significantly more, making early screening and intervention financially prudent.Teacher Training:K-4 teachers, administrators, reading specialists, and special education teachers will receive training in structured literacy.The state will provide financial resources to support teacher training.Vendor Selection:A committee of subject matter experts will select high-quality vendors for structured literacy programs.School districts can choose from this list of approved vendors, simplifying the selection process.State Reporting:The bill requires school districts to report their use of structured literacy programs to the Department of Education.The state will track progress and gather data to ensure the effectiveness of the programs.Ban on "Three-Cueing":The bill prohibits the use of "three-cueing" methods in Pennsylvania.This move aims to promote evidence-based approaches and discontinue ineffective practices.Writing Instruction:The interviewee acknowledges the importance of incorporating structured writing instruction into future bills.The focus is on creating explicit, systematic, cumulative, multisensory writing programs.The goal is to address the gap in writing education within structured literacy programs.Conclusion:The interviewee discusses the challenges of passing comprehensive legislation and the need for ongoing efforts to improve education.Future steps may include recapturing students who were not reached by the initial programs and further enhancing writing instruction.House Bill 998Senate Bill 801
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Oct 23, 2023
30 min

Welcome to season two of The Writing Glitch!Cheri and Melissa Gill explore groundbreaking strategies to "hack" dysgraphia, challenging the conventional notion that writing difficulties are insurmountable. As they engage in candid conversation, they uncover invaluable methods to conquer dysgraphia's limitations without even picking up a pencil.Discover how Melissa's extensive experience has illuminated paths for students facing similar hurdles. Unravel the experiences of Wabash Valley Education Center and its impact on shaping educational landscapes. Through their engaging dialogue, you'll gain a fresh perspective on overcoming obstacles and creating a thriving learning environment for all.Get ready to witness a podcast episode that's not just a discussion; it's a transformational experience. Tune in, watch, and be inspired as Cheri and Melissa unravel the layers of educational challenges, providing insights that will resonate with students, educators, and anyone seeking to harness their potential. Stay tuned for this captivating conversation because it's time to unleash the power within!Today's guest:Melissa GillEducator Instructional Outreach DirectorWabash Valley Education Center, Lafayette, INSpecial Education Recorded Conference (October 2023)Social Links: Twitter/X @mrsgillatwvecLinkedIN: www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-gill-wvecOther contact info: https://www.esc5.k12.in.us/Bio: As an educator, Melissa Gill has experienced life as a primary & intermediate Classroom Teacher, Instructional Coach, Reading Specialist, and Administrator. She has facilitated preK-12 district professional development and provided MTSS leadership support. Melissa is currently the Instructional Outreach Director at WVEC! She works onsite, supporting & encouraging educators in their professional learning while also fostering partnerships with various educational organizations to meet the needs of all students in Indiana. Besides making new connections, Melissa enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.Notable Quote: "Inclusion is the cornerstone of a successful education system. Providing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and fostering an environment that values diversity ensures that every student receives the tailored assistance they need to excel and reach their full potential."
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Oct 10, 2023
22 min
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