Company History of DyslexiaTech
Where We Started
Founded in 2010 by Mike Matvy, DyslexiaTech is a pioneering company dedicated to revolutionizing dyslexia intervention and empowering students with dyslexia to excel academically. Fueled by a personal understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia, Mike embarked on a mission to provide practical solutions that would unlock the full potential of these students.
Driven by the belief that accommodations and assistive technology hold the key to success in the classroom and in life, DyslexiaTech began with workshops for school systems, educating teachers on how to support students with dyslexia effectively. Breaking away from traditional approaches that focused exclusively on remediation for reading, DyslexiaTech advocated for accommodations in the classroom that enable students to complete reading and writing tasks quickly and effortlessly. By embracing the alternative methods of reading by listening and writing by speaking, students with dyslexia independently read at 250 to 350+ words per minute with excellent comprehension and write as fast as they can speak. Through these accommodations, students gained equal access to print and thrived academically.
The Truth About dyslexia
Recognizing the pressing need for change in dyslexia intervention, DyslexiaTech aimed to challenge the prevailing beliefs about reading remediation, extra time, and students with dyslexia becoming skilled, fluent readers. We firmly believe that students with dyslexia need explicit reading instruction that aligns with the latest research that shows how students with dyslexia can learn to sound out words and read accurately. However, recognizing that the research also says that students with dyslexia do not learn to read fluently like skilled readers do, we believe it’s imperative that this truth about fluency also be shared with students. This information about fluency can give them the knowledge they need to understand what they’re experiencing and accept themselves, which can be critical in helping avoid or eliminate the confusion that comes with adjusting to this disability. Knowing all the facts enables students to turn their confusion into understanding, so they can better participate in decision-making processes, plan for their learning experiences, and prepare for their future, a future no longer limited by slow reading.
We take the view that there’s no such thing as “extra time”; there is only the best use of time. If students take extra time to practice sounding out words during class lessons, that time has to come from somewhere. Where are those minutes going to come from? The only time available is class time — the time when their peers are comprehending what’s been read, answering questions, reflecting on the material, or sharing in class discussions. And these activities are typically the ones that students with dyslexia are best at. But unfortunately the effect of using extra time as an accommodation is that, instead of asking them to develop their strengths and share fully in class experiences, we asked them to spend their time and attention sounding out words. Extra time was an appropriate accommodation when it was the only option. Today we have powerful options that let our students with dyslexia read and write rapidly and effortlessly like skilled, fluent readers do. We believe students should be using these options whenever class content is presented in print instead of missing out on learning opportunities.
Creating Solutions
In 2013, DyslexiaTech embarked on a journey to address another significant challenge: read-aloud testing. Mike, driven by his own experience with dyslexia and seeing the frustration experienced by teachers and students envisioned an app that would allow students to take tests independently and efficiently. Teaming up with a talented engineering student Nathan Ziebart and working on a shoestring budget, DyslexiaTech developed the groundbreaking Audio Exam app. This innovative solution transformed the testing experience for thousands of students and teachers, letting teachers quickly record a test once and have it appear on students’ devices at their desks so they could put in a headset and take the test with their classmates. This app ensures equal access to assessment opportunities.
However, in October 2018, the app faced a critical setback when its server started failing. Recognizing the vital importance of the Audio Exam app to thousands of teachers and students, Mike made a decision to invest in professional services to save the app. Enter Mark Vinsant, an exceptional software developer who joined DyslexiaTech to address the server’s challenges. As the project progressed, Mark’s role expanded to partner, ultimately leading to the decision to update the app and completely redesign it to meet the evolving needs of teachers and students. This new iteration of the Audio Exam app aims to run on all devices, make read-aloud testing a seamless and effortless experience, and support both in-person and remote learning environments.
Our Mission
To sum up, At DyslexiaTech, our goal is to ensure that all students with dyslexia have the same learning opportunities as their peers through accommodations and assistive technology. We strive to eliminate the detrimental impact of slow and laborious reading on these students’ life journeys. By leveraging tools like reading by listening and writing by speaking, students gain full access to the rich language environment, from in-class activities to standardized testing and advanced coursework. We show students that dyslexia does not have to hinder their ability to swiftly and effortlessly engage with written material, complete reading and writing tasks at the same speed and quality as their peers, excel academically, and unleash their full potential. We envision a future where people with dyslexia can thrive academically and excel in a world that acknowledges the lifelong challenges posed by dyslexia but provides the necessary tools and accommodations for success.
Our mission at DyslexiaTech is to shift the paradigm of dyslexia intervention to prioritize classroom learning over remediation. We aim to create institutional change that will empower students to reach their full potential and avoid the typical consequences of dyslexia, declines in vocabulary, IQ, background knowledge, and educational growth. Through our innovative solutions and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, we are determined to transform the educational landscape for students with dyslexia, ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed, thrive, and reach their full potential. Join us as we revolutionize dyslexia intervention, create positive change, and empower students with dyslexia to shine in their journeys.
