Media and Advocacy
As a renowned and fierce advocate for neurodivergent individuals, Sarah has been interviewed for tv, newspapers, websites and National Radio. She has produced a documentary and, with students, has presented to and hosted The Education and Science Select Committee. She has also written numerous articles on dyslexia and other learning differences.
TVNZ: Breakfast and Close Up
Sarah has appeared with her Kāpiti College students on Breakfast T.V and on Close Up to highlight the effectiveness of the teaching strategies and classroom accommodations she uses. The 'Close Up’ segment, 'Championing Dyslexia', focuses on how Sarah operates and how neurodiverse students can get missed by the education system.
"Championing Dyslexia" on TVNZ.
Advocacy
Sarah has been an advocate for neurodiverse learners for 16 years. Her work includes producing and facilitating documentaries (left and below) with her students at Kāpiti college, as well as creating petitions to raise awareness of and inclusivity for Dyslexic students on a nationally recognised scale, which have received thousands of signatures in support.
Video: 'Dyslexia at Kāpiti College'
"Dyslexia: The Educational Revolution" - shortened version.
For full length version click here.
Policy
In 2015, Sarah organised and accompanied a group of students to parliament to speak to the Education and Science Select Committee about provision for students with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and those on the Autism Spectrum.
Subsequently, committee members visited Kāpiti College in order to experience best practice Dyslexic provision in a school setting.
In parliament, speaking to the Education and Science Select Committee.
Hosting the Education and Science Select Committee at Kāpiti College.
Sarah and her students were invited by Catherine Delahunty to contribute to the report launch.
National Radio
Sarah and her students have been interviewed on National Radio to discuss some of the difficulties facing neurodiverse students within our education system. Ideas on how the learning needs of neurodiverse students can be met and what works at Kāpiti College are also discussed.
National Radio: Nine to Noon - Merryn Giblin, November 2015
RNZ article: Learning disorder heartbreak shared with MPs, November 2015
RNZ article: Students tell of being bullied for learning problems, November 2015
Newspaper and Magazine
Several articles have been published in local and national newspapers advocating for change and highlighting Kāpiti College and the Neurodiversity Programme.
Dominion Post/ Stuff articles:
Special needs students in poor communities missing out on exam help, November 2015
Dyslexic students pack out inquiry to send message to MPs, November 2015
Dyslexic kids not happy with Government response to inquiry, March 2017
Dystinct Magazine