Thank you everyone. Thanks for this kind invite to be at TEDex today and what a better place than uh Pune which is known as Vidya Vidya Maher. So let's begin with my first story.So a few years ago I met a very bright 10-year-old curious child. He was excellent with solving puzzles. In fact, he was so good he could solve the trickiest within few seconds to minutes.But he hated to read and could barely write even a single sentence. His mother whispered to me and panic in a panicky voice and she said that her ...

Core Argument - Neurodiversity, encompassing conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, represents cognitive variations that offer unique strengths and perspectives, not deficits [4][5] - Embracing neurodiversity unlocks innovation, empathy, and collective growth by challenging societal norms and redefining thriving [21] Strengths of Neurodivergent Individuals - Individuals with ADHD often generate numerous ideas, while autistic individuals excel in pattern recognition and problem-solving [5][6] - Dyslexic individuals demonstrate analytical and logical thinking, and those with OCD often perform well on language tasks [6] - People with Tourette's syndrome develop focus and adaptability, while those with dyscalculia display creativity and strategic thinking [7] - Individuals with dyspraxia are known for perseverance and problem-solving, and those with selective mutism possess observation and empathy skills [8][9] Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Individuals - Neurodivergent individuals face daily challenges in environments designed for neurotypical people, such as sensory overload in stores or difficulty focusing in open offices [10][11][13] - Unexpected changes can cause distress, affecting confidence and social interactions [14] Creating Inclusive Environments - Providing quiet spaces, adjustable lighting, and alternative formats for instructions can reduce sensory overload and match different learning styles [15] - Alternative interview formats, flexible scheduling, and remote work options can help employees manage energy and focus [16] - Redefining productivity based on output rather than facetime and educating colleagues fosters empathy and reduces stigma [17] Benefits of Embracing Neurodiversity - Teams with neurodivergent members report greater creativity and problem-solving abilities [19] - Neurodivergent thinkers inspire transformative change across fields like technology and education [19] Key Lessons for Building an Inclusive Future - Celebrate differences as strengths, create environments accommodating diverse cognitive needs, and listen deeply to lived experiences [20]

Dyslexia Prevalence and Impact - The United States ranks 36th in literacy according to the National Literacy Institute [2] - 15 to 20% of the United States population is dyslexic, and 70 to 80% of students within special education have deficits in literacy [4] - Dyslexia affects language skills such as reading, writing, and decoding [3] Understanding Dyslexia - Dyslexia affects how the brain processes information, impacting the left side of the brain responsible for sequencing, analytical tasks, reading, and language processing [4][5][6] - Dyslexia is considered a neurodivergent condition, associated with strengths in creativity, visual learning, and problem-solving [5] - Traditional education focuses on comprehensive reading, which can be challenging for dyslexic students who need a strong understanding of fundamental reading skills [8] Educational Approaches and Support - Early diagnosis of dyslexia is crucial and can be detected as early as age four through observation of shape and color recognition [14] - Structured literacy approaches like Orton Gillingham, a phonics-based program, benefit both dyslexic and non-dyslexic students [16] - Accommodations and tools, such as extra time on tests, are necessary to support dyslexic students' success [17] Advocacy and Empowerment - Encouraging students with dyslexia to embrace their differences and focus on their abilities is essential [12][13] - Building confidence in areas where students excel, such as sports or arts, can positively impact their academic performance [18] - Teaching students with dyslexia to advocate for themselves is crucial for their success in post-secondary education and beyond [19][20]

Election day is only 5 days away and one local race has captured national attention because what it could mean for the Democratic party. Who will be the next mayor of our fair city, New York City. A large number of New Yorkers have turned out to vote early and Zoran Mandami continues to lead the polls in a three-way race.One person no longer running is our current mayor Eric Adams. He dropped his bid before the election about a month ago. He joins me now for a keynote conversation.Thank you for joining me. ...

Dyslexia & Learning Differences - Dyslexia affects 20% of the population [1] - Dyslexia impacts reading, writing, memory, comprehension, and focus [2] - Individuals with dyslexia can develop unique strengths, seeing connections and visuals in a non-linear way [4] - Disabilities can force adaptation and provide a unique mental toolkit [12] Entrepreneurship & Success - The speaker started a lawn care business at 13 and an esports organization at 15, gaining skills in video editing, graphic design, and online marketing [5][6] - Many successful entrepreneurs, like Richard Branson (Virgin Group) and David Neeleman (JetBlue), have dyslexia [10][11] - These individuals succeeded because of their disabilities, not in spite of them [12] Personal Growth & Empowerment - The speaker emphasizes the importance of owning one's differences and finding a personal process for working [3][9][10] - Individuals should harness their unique qualities to innovate and see what others miss [13] - Turning weaknesses into strengths is key to unlocking one's superpower [13][14]

Functional Vision Problems & Impact - Functional vision problems are distinct from eyesight, impacting how the brain processes visual information [2][3] - These issues can manifest as difficulties in reading, learning, and daily life activities, often misdiagnosed as ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, or autism spectrum disorders [6][7][9] - Vision directs behavior; impaired eye control hinders mind control and focus [8] Modern Visual Demands - The visual system, evolved for distance viewing, struggles with modern near-screen demands [11][12] - Reading and learning are significantly impacted, with an estimated 80% of classroom learning relying on visual processing and one in four children experiencing vision problems affecting learning [12] - Screen time contributes to digital eye strain, affecting at least 60% of Americans [15] Vision Performance Training - Vision performance training can treat functional vision problems by rewiring the brain's software [10][19] - It helps develop neurological pathways for accurate eye movements and efficient visual information processing [25] Traumatic Brain Injury - 28% of Americans have experienced at least one concussion, potentially impacting vision [20] - Head injuries can lead to vision problems, even without affecting eyesight, due to the brain's heavy reliance on visual processing (two-thirds of neurons originate from the eyes) [21]

And I found out I had dyslexia. I was terrified. I thought it meant I wasn't smart enough, that I would always struggle, that I would never catch up.But it was my mom who had sat me down and told me something that changed my perspective. She reminded me that Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds in history, had dyslexia. The same man who developed theory of relativity, whose work shaped modern physics once struggled to read.And he was not alone. They told me the words would never stay still. That the l ...

[Applause] Hello, it's me. Music has been hailed as the universal language of mankind. Think about the last time you were at school, the grocery store, the mall.People of all ages and cultures have an earbud in their ear. Why is that. Because music is our safe space.Music is there for us when we are happy, when we are sad, depressed, joyful, busy, anxious, bored, depressed, etc. No matter what we are going through or the emotions we may be feeling, music is there always. My name is Brody and I'm 14 years ol ...

[Music] Please welcome to the stage Derek Block. [Applause] [Applause] For a number of years, I've had this sign greeting those that were interested. Reminant of an old school incentive to advertise why I became a professional educator.It reminds me each day as I enter the classroom of why I put energy into my craft. I know it's been seen by some and overlooked by many. It reads as follows.I teach because I learn differently and I feel that I can present information in an interactive way to help all student ...

सो नेक्स्ट अप वी हैव उम इस्लामा अ स्टूडेंट एट बीसी गुलबर्ग हु विल स्पीक अबाउट हर स्ट्रगल्स वि डिस्लेक्सिया हर टॉक श लाइट ऑन देंस ऑफ़ एक्सेसिबिलिटी एंड अंडरस्टैंडिंग फॉर इंडिविजुअल्स विद लर्निंग डिफरेंसेस उम सलामा यू हैव द स्टेज मैं उम सलामा हूं और ये है मेरी दास्तान दास्तान इसलिए कहूंगी क्योंकि इख्तताम कहानियों के होते हैं दास्तानों के नहीं और मेरी दास्तान मुख्तलिफ होने के साथ-साथ मुनफलिद भी है क्योंकि मेरा बचपन आप सबसे मुख्तलिफ रहा। बचपन में बच्चों की आंखों में बहुत से ख्वाब होते हैं। छोटे-छोटे अनगिनत ख्वाब ...