Hi, I’m Helen Redman, Founder and Managing Director of OpenEd Ltd.
I am a Neurotypical individual who sees my place in Neurodiversity as a privilege which can be used to support others.
How did this all start?
Back in the early 2000’s I worked in the private sector for a few years, and in one of those roles I came across an adult who was unable to read or write. I had never experienced this before and thought that illiteracy in the modern era was a myth. This experience led me to retrain, first as literacy mentor, then later onto more specialised and management roles in post-16 education.
Support for Adults
Having identified that there was little support for Neurodivergent adults post-education, I created OpenEd Ltd to fill the gap. OpenEd Ltd provides support to adults who are struggling in daily life and employment due to being Neurodiverse, having literacy difficulties or being disabled. I have helped many individuals to improve their skills, learn strategies and gain qualifications, employment or promotion.
Support for Businesses
Several clients asked me to meet with their employers to explain the strategies and support them with implementing reasonable adjustments. As such, OpenEd Ltd diversified into consultancy, training, advocacy and support for organisations. I have provided support for both the public and private sectors, helping organisations to design and deliver on project briefs. I share my lived experience with others to improve access and inclusion.
Personal Experience
Lived experience has been and continues to be gained both personally and professionally. I was in a relationship and had a child with someone who was born with spina bifida, and experienced daily life with him, including daily prejudices and assumptions about our personal life. I have volunteered with a local community group providing access to the local countryside via adapted cycles and wheelchairs and seen the barriers first hand. I have also advocated for a Muslim woman who was blind and was navigating the social services system to leave the family home and move to semi-independent living. I am currently working on developing social groups for adults with Autism in my local community.
My Qualifications
- Level 7 Certificate of Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements (CPT3A)
- British Psychological Society Registration
- Lego®-Based Therapy
- Level 5 Diploma in Teaching learners with Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties
- Accredited Teacher Status for Further and Higher Education (ATS FE-HE)
- ILM Level 5 Certificate in Leadership and Management
- BA Education (Hons)
- Mental Health First Aider
