Westport, CT - Reading is a fundamental part of the learning experience and a favorite pastime for many, especially in the library world. But for some learners, the joy of reading can be mixed with frustration, with triumphs and challenges along the way.
Jennifer Bernheim — advocate, entrepreneur, and mom to a dyslexic learner — takes on these topics and more in her new Verso Studios at The Westport Library community partnership podcast, Right to Read, named after the organization she founded to offer advocacy services, IEP coaching, and informational workshops, as well as a corporate HR benefit that provides educational resources and advocacy coaching. Additionally, Right to Read Advocacy offers membership for advocates and related professionals.
“The Right to Read podcast supports today’s dyslexic thinkers by bringing listeners relevant information on community resources, best practices for dyslexic learners, legislation that supports the Right to Read, and personal and professional success stories,” said Bernheim. “Through our actionable insights, you will learn something that will empower a dyslexic thinker today.”
The podcast debuts today — in conjunction with Dyslexia Awareness Month — with three episodes, each about 20 minutes long. Additional episodes will come out every other week (Episode #4 will arrive November 12). The show will be available on the Verso Studios community partnership podcast page and through regular podcast distributors such as Apple and Spotify.
Bernheim founded Right to Read Advocacy to help parents demystify what can be an overwhelming process and to empower them to support their child's needs. She has completed the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates’ (COPAA) Special Education and Advocacy Training (SEAT) 1.0 and 2.0 courses. Her education also includes the Orton-Gillingham Academy Subscriber Course and WrightsLaw Special Ed Law & Advocacy Training.
Prior to founding Right to Read Advocacy, Bernheim, who holds a master’s degree in communication studies from the University of Rhode Island, spent 20 years as a public relations practitioner, providing strategic communications support for purpose-driven companies.
“Jennifer has such a passion for helping others, and that comes through in each episode,” said Verso Studios Producer Travis Bell, who recorded each episode with Bernheim. “Having served as both an advocate and a parent, she is remarkably well-versed in the subject matter and aware, in an incredibly kind and empathetic way, of the challenges that parents of dyslexic learners face. What I really love about this podcast, though, is that it celebrates the joys as well as the challenges, and listeners come away from each episode with actionable steps to help themselves and their children along the journey.”
Verso Studios is the media arm of The Westport Library. The Library created the Verso Studios Community Producer Partnership initiative in keeping with the studio’s mission to produce content with the community.
Verso Studios Community Partnership Podcasts: https://westportlibrary.org/community-partner-podcasts/
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrUm2xOUIXduVOgCdbNSv
Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-to-read/id1776661974
About The Westport Library
Founded in 1886, built in 1908, and transformed in 2019, The Westport Library is one of the most active and innovative public libraries in the nation, devoted to enriching the intellectual and creative lives of the community. Among its many highlights are a full collection of books for children, teens, and adults; an engaging and colorful Children’s Library; a MakerSpace; a Library of Things; a Seed Library; a robust café and store; and professional art installations that rotate throughout the year. The Westport Library is also home to Verso Studios, replete with an SSL hybrid analog sound studio and broadcast control suite featuring a state-of-the-art console and six robotic cameras, and the Trefz Forum, an open, flexible space that can accommodate up to 600 patrons and features an 18-foot video wall, 35-foot stage, state-of-the-art sound, and theatrical lighting. Situated in the heart of downtown Westport overlooking the scenic Saugatuck River, The Westport Library annually hosts StoryFest, the largest literary festival in Connecticut, and VersoFest, its multi-day music and media festival. Above all, the Library strives to serve the whole community as a vibrant gathering spot where people of all ages come to seek information, gain knowledge, exchange ideas, and share experiences. For more information, visit westportlibrary.org.
About Verso Studios
Verso Studios is the Library’s media resource and production hub, serving as an inclusive, empowered, future-forward, cultural and learning center. A library branch of the 21st century, Verso Studios provides programming and commercial services, as well as educational and content creation opportunities. To learn more, visitwestportlibrary.org/services/verso-studios.