DECKACY’s Work
A showcase of our projects, from inception to impact.
DECKACY: A Vision for a Neuro-inclusive Future
Welcome to DECKACY’s work portfolio, a collection of projects representing our commitment to fostering a world where neurodiversity is recognised, understood, and supported. More than just a showcase of past achievements, this portfolio serves as our blueprint for the future. The initiatives within these pages are not isolated ventures but interconnected components of a single, unified vision: to empower individuals, families, educators, and professionals through strengths-based, neuro-affirming resources.
Our work goes beyond neurodiversity to include mental health, as we believe the two are inextricably linked. For many neurodivergent individuals, challenges with social communication, executive function, and sensory regulation can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. By addressing both neurodiversity and mental well-being simultaneously, we provide a more holistic and effective service.
We envision a future where our service users are not just passive recipients of support but active collaborators in our work. We will achieve this by:
- Co-designing Tools: Gathering continuous feedback from our users to shape and refine our resources, ensuring they are practical and meet the community’s evolving needs.
- Empowering Through Training: Offering our training and coaching programmes not just to professionals but directly to neurodivergent adults and young people, enabling them to become leaders in their own communities.
- Building a Community: Creating a hub where users can connect, share their experiences, and offer peer support, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual understanding.
This portfolio is a living document of our past, present, and future efforts. We invite you to explore our work and join us on this journey.
Lane Anthony’s Commissioned Work
Our Aims
As a result of DECKACY’s commitment to raising the awareness of neurodiversity, they commissioned Lane, an educationalist, to write his first book, Autism a Superpower. This book unpicks neurodiversity on all levels. Chapter 6 Masking is a reflection of George Matheson the CEO of DECKACY’s journey.
“The Dynamic Development Plan – A Strengths-based Blueprint for Pupil Support in UK Schools” provides a comprehensive framework for teachers, school leaders, and support staff to create tailored, strengths-based support plans for neurodiverse students. It moves beyond traditional deficit-based models to focus on a child’s unique talents and interests, ensuring that support is meaningful and effective. The book includes practical tools, templates, and case studies to guide professionals in implementing the plan.
“The Handbook” is an essential guide designed to be used in conjunction with the other two books. It offers clear, concise summaries of key concepts, quick-reference guides to support strategies, and practical advice on applying the Dynamic Development Plan in real-world scenarios. The handbook is a valuable resource for busy educators and professionals who need immediate access to effective, evidence-based neurodiversity support strategies.
Reach
The books and resources have a global reach, impacting parents, educators, and therapeutic professionals. Our content is shared through digital platforms, professional networks, and educational institutions, extending our influence across multiple sectors.
Involvement & Monitoring
This involves a continual process of research, writing, and feedback from the neurodiverse community. We monitor engagement through book sales data, social media interactions, and direct feedback from readers and training participants.
Impact
The projects have empowered educators to adopt strengths-based approaches and helped parents understand and advocate for their children. We have received testimonials from schools reporting significant improvements in pupil support and well-being.
Sustainability
Self-Sustaining: These projects are primarily funded through book sales, speaking engagements, and consulting services, allowing them to be self-sustaining.
DDP HUB
Our Aims
DDP HUB is a centralised, digital support portal and resource hub for the neurodiverse community. It provides individuals, parents, and professionals with easy access to tools and guidance, helping them to find and seek the support they may find hard to access otherwise.
The platform aims to streamline and simplify the process of implementing the Dynamic Development Plan (DDP) framework.
Tools
- The DDP Profile: A unique tool to create a strengths-based profile for neurodivergent young people and adults.
- Neuro-inclusion Compass: Navigate the journey to a neuro-inclusive environment in education and the workplace.
- Neurodivergent Screener: Screening tools to help you identify possible traits in neurodiverse individuals (for professional use).
- Sensory Profile & Environmental Planner: Tools to help individuals, parents, and schools identify and plan for sensory needs.
- Access to Work Navigator: Simplify the process of applying for and managing your Access to Work grant.
- Universal Credit Support: Guidance and resources to help neurodivergent individuals with Universal Credit and employment goals.
Reach
Designed to be used by a wide range of professionals, including SENCos, TAs, school leaders, and therapeutic professionals. The platform aims to be deployed in hundreds of schools across the UK.
Involvement & Monitoring
The development process involves collaboration with educational professionals to ensure the tool meets their needs. We use user analytics and feedback loops to monitor feature usage and effectiveness.
Impact
This project is expected to streamline the DDP process, improve collaboration, and provide measurable data on student progress, ultimately leading to more effective pupil support and better educational outcomes.
Sustainability
Requires Funding: This project requires initial and ongoing funding for development, maintenance, and secure data storage to be a viable, long-term solution.
DDPScreener
Our Aims
For many people, the financial cost or lack of available support makes a formal screener inaccessible. Furthermore, the very few screeners that exist often begin from a deficit, focusing on what is “wrong” with an individual.
Our DDPScreener is a welcome, strengths-based tool for those trying to understand their neurodiversity, offering an empowering alternative to the traditional diagnostic journey. The tool’s primary aim is to quickly identify a student’s strengths and areas for development, providing a starting point for creating their Dynamic Development Plan (DDP).
Screening Tools
- UK-Based Comprehensive Dyslexia Screening Tool for Adults (25+): Screen for dyslexia in adults with a UK-specific, research-based tool.
- ADHD Screener: Screens for traits related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
- Autism Screener: Screens for traits related to Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Dyslexia Screener: Screens for traits related to Dyslexia.
- Dyspraxia Screener: Screens for traits related to Dyspraxia (Developmental Co-ordination Disorder).
- Dyscalculia Screener: Screens for traits related to Dyscalculia.
- Dysgraphia Screener: Screens for traits related to Dysgraphia.
Obstacles in Learner Processing Screeners
- The Dynamic Progress Navigator (DPN): Track and support progress for learners at all stages of development.
- The Dynamic Secondary Learner Screener (DSLS): A screener for secondary learners, focusing on academic and social-emotional needs.
- The Dynamic Pathways Navigator (DPN): Navigate learning and career pathways with this comprehensive screener.
- The Dynamic Navigator Screener (DYN-S): A flexible screener for a variety of developmental and learning needs.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Screeners
- Anxiety Disorder Screening Tool PRO: Screen for anxiety-related symptoms and support strategies.
- Depression Screening Tool: Identify signs of depression and access support resources.
- Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Screening Tool: Identify sensory processing challenges and support needs.
Adult Other Screening Tools
- General Developmental Screening Tool PRO: A broad screener for general developmental and learning needs.
Reach
This tool is designed for front-line educational professionals, psychologist, Parents, and indivduals themselves as a self-assessment tool. It is an entry point into the DDP framework.
Involvement & Monitoring
Development includes rigorous testing with pilot schools to ensure accuracy and ease of use. Performance is monitored via user feedback and data on the consistency of the screener’s output.
Impact
The DDPScreener will significantly reduce the time and effort required to begin a strengths-based support plan, allowing educators to focus more on student intervention and less on paperwork.
Sustainability
Requires Funding: The initial development and algorithm training for the screener will require a significant upfront investment, followed by maintenance funding.
Eco Fresh Laundry
Its Aims
DECKACY is committed to supporting new enterprises that have a strong social or environmental mission. The Eco Fresh Laundry project is a collaboration that exemplifies this commitment, providing a high-quality, eco-friendly laundry service that minimises environmental impact while offering convenience and excellent customer service.
This project demonstrates our ability to apply innovative thinking to a non-educational business to create a positive community impact.
Reach
Serving local communities and businesses with sustainable laundry solutions. Our goal is to expand our presence through a franchise model, reaching more customers with our unique, environmentally conscious service.
Involvement & Monitoring
Involvement includes setting up efficient operations and supply chains. We monitor this project’s success through customer satisfaction ratings, operational efficiency metrics, and profitability analysis.
Impact
This project reduces water and energy consumption through high-efficiency machines and eco-friendly detergents. The business provides a tangible, positive environmental impact within its community.
Sustainability
Requires Funding: This is a business venture that requires investment for initial setup, equipment, and marketing. While designed to be profitable, it requires capital to get started and scale.
Neurolearn.online Training & Development
Our Aims
Neurolearn.online provides specialist training and development for neurodiversity and mental health clients, as well as young people. Neurolearn Online Limited launched the first Neurocoach and Neuro Support Worker/Guide programmes in the UK. This Level 3 and 4 course equips learners with the skills to become highly effective neuro-diverse aware coaches and support workers.
The courses are designed in a neuro-friendly layout and for neurodivergent learners. We are also aware of the growing number of neurodivergent adults and young people choosing to work in the food and hospitality trade and have designed Levels 1-3 food hygiene and safety courses to meet their needs. The suite of courses around safeguarding young people are increasing regularly.
Courses Offered
Child Exploitation & Cyberbullying – Education & Children’s Services
Child Exploitation & Cyberbullying – Police and Prison Staff
Child Exploitation & Cyberbullying – For Young People
Child Exploitation & Cyberbullying – Parents and Carers
AI CoPilot Skills
Mastering Otter.ai
Sales Coaching Training
Food Hygiene and Safety Level 1-3
Bridging the Dyslexia Gap
Neuro Coach Certification
Neuro Support Worker/Guide
The Dynamic Development Plan Training
Reach
Our training programmes are designed for a wide audience, including neurodivergent individuals, parents, educators, coaches, and professionals across various sectors. The neuro-friendly design of our courses makes them accessible to learners of all abilities.
Involvement & Monitoring
The development of these courses is a collaborative effort, involving neurodiversity experts and experienced educationalists. We continuously monitor course effectiveness through learner feedback, completion rates, and post-course success stories.
Impact
These training programmes empower individuals to better understand and support neurodiversity, leading to more inclusive environments in schools, workplaces, and communities. The courses provide tangible skills and certification, opening up new career paths for learners.
Sustainability
Self-Sustaining: These courses are a primary revenue stream for Neurolearn.online. The income from course registrations is reinvested to update existing content and develop new programmes, ensuring long-term viability and growth.
Get in Touch with DECKACY
If you want to know more about the work of DECKACY or support one of our many programmes and initiatives, you can contact George Matheson at george@deckacy.org.uk.
If you would like to join DECKACY as a trustee, please email the Chair of the Board, Jo. You can email her at jo@deckacy.org.uk.
To make contact with Lane Anthony, he can be contacted at laneanthony@deckacy.org.uk.