Dyslexia Talks: Empowering Students with Mentorship and Community Support

Literacy Talks

This episode provides a powerful and inspiring look into the work of the Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation, which supports high school and college students with dyslexia who wish to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Co-founder Dr. Barbara Wirostko Morelli shares her personal story of navigating the challenges of dyslexia with her own son, Joseph, and the motivation behind creating the foundation in his memory. Listeners hear from scholarship recipient Amy Mabile and mentor Jake Sussman, who offer firsthand accounts of the life-changing impact of the foundation's mentorship, community support, and financial assistance.

The episode delves into the unique obstacles students with dyslexia face in the education system, the importance of early intervention and proper documentation, and the power of resilience, self-advocacy, and finding one's voice to overcome adversity and achieve academic and personal success.

This is the final installment of the Literacy Talks miniseries Dyslexia Talks, hosted by Donell Pons.

SHOW NOTES
Literacy Leaders:

• Barbara Wirostko (Morelli)
• Jake Sussman

Resources:

• Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation
• Dyslexia: Tapping into the potential | Barbara Wirostko (Morelli), MD | TEDxBozeman
• Morelli Foundation Scholarship Program
• The Forgotten Child: A Poem Dedicated to the neurodiverse
• Superpower Mentors

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