Local woman's business earns accelerator programme spot

Moate social entrepreneur, Mary Moran, founder of DcodeDyslexia, has won a place on Social Entrepreneurs Ireland’s Impact Awards accelerator programme and secured €20,000 for her work upending traditional schooling. DcodeDyslexia is an easy-to-use structured literacy reading programme for dyslexic students, their parents and schools.

The SEI Impact Programme identifies high-potential social entrepreneurs and supports them through significant funding and mentoring, as well as providing access to a network of support. Impact Programme Awardees receive training in areas such as fundraising, governance, leadership, and storytelling. The 2022 programme attracted more than 100 applications from all corners of Ireland with the successful applicants going through a rigorous interview process. The five Awardees were chosen upon showing how their programmes are shaking up the traditional ways of dealing with social issues and are providing innovative solutions.

One in five students in Ireland are dyslexic, and the current way students learn to read in Irish schools leaves dyslexic students behind. This is widening gaps in academic achievement, whilst also leading to poor confidence and lower mental health. DcodeDyslexia’s methods use colour-coded phonics to create a fun and engaging programme for students at any age. This reading method supports the student with dyslexia and can support to build neurological pathways in the brain to improve their reading skills.

Speaking about winning a place on the programme, Ms Moran said “Being an Awardee of The Impact Programme feels like I have found my family. One that will help and support me through the journey I am on to ensure that every child is taught to be a fluent and accomplished reader.”