“There are few tools available to us to make our lives easier“. It is in his room that dyslexic and dyspraxic Ryan Dubois envisions the creation of a keyboard designed to help people with dyslexia. These pathologies, which were recognized as disabilities in 2005, particularly affect the schooling of young students.
Dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysortography… so many disorders that can appear alone or accumulate, complicating the daily life of the people concerned. The French Dys Federation counts 7 million French Dys in 2019 and estimates that around 10% of students in the classroom suffer from this disability. Numbers are hard to come by because of the lack of reliable studies and lack of diagnosis. To make the general public aware of this little-known cause, a national holiday is dedicated to them on October 10 every year.
Durable and aesthetic stickers
It all starts in February 2021 under total containment. To beat the boredom, Ryan, then 16, designed the tool on his own and submitted a paper prototype, accompanied by a list of materials to buy from his parents. “He’s always making things up,” Olivier, the father of a high school student, proudly points out at the STID2 technology terminal. The Arag family works every night on the living room table to prepare the keyboard.
The idea was born after sessions with an occupational therapist, a specialist who intervenes to help Dees manage their environment. “We tried stickers that we put on the computer keyboard, but they came off very quickly.says Ryan. So I wanted to create stickers that stuck to the keys that wouldn’t come off or fade“. Dys students are provided with a computer by the Department of Disability Home (MDPH).
The collection is called “KeyDys:“-“key for DysFrench – consists of three parts. The first consists of stickers on the keys, the second consists of stickers listing keyboard shortcuts, and the third contains no letters designed to work with a professional therapist.
This invention aims to facilitate the use of a computer keyboard by Dys. “Even we adults don’t realize that we don’t know keyboards well and we don’t optimize anything at all.Olivier wonders. Each color corresponds to a zone where the finger can easily move. For example, the two indexes are respectively placed in “T:” and “Y:”, facilitating better ergonomics on the keyboard.
A quickly noticed invention
After Ryan’s mother posted on Facebook, several families in Brittany began ordering the homemade kit. “When we get positive feedback from families, it’s magic“, reports Olivier, who notes that “sParents often order their children“. Thanks to word of mouth, the local media quickly picked up on the topic and the project took on a whole new dimension.
In August 2021, the Boulanger Foundation offers its assistance by providing equipment and introduces the printer who is now responsible for the production of the collection. “Keydys:“Also on sale”In the largest Boulanger stores in France“. “I wanted the most people who needed it to be able to have itsays Ryan. “We also wanted to make it as accessible to families as possibleadds Oliver.
Even Emmanuel Macron reacts to the young man’s success, commenting on one of his Instagram posts:Your journey is spectacular […] this invention will relieve other people facing the same difficulties“. “Keydys:Also a subject of the Élysée bulletin listing the latest French innovations.
Then it was the chancellor of Rennie Academy who took an interest in the project, ordering packages to be distributed to students in need. Then he presented the keyboard to the then Minister of National Education, Jean-Michel Blanquet. The latter requires the implementation of “Note:“on”Keydys:“in order to”that it be accepted in as many French academies as possible“. The craze around the keyboard is such that sales are multiplying. “We’ve sold just over 5,000 in a year.says Olivier.
“That will be my job”
Today, many schools have provided keyboards.whether in elementary, middle or high school“and”everywhere in France“. It is also sold on the Boulanger and Ryann website.R2Dtooldys:“. Orders are even made across borders, among others.”from USA, Canada, Belgium and Switzerland“. So Ryan adapted and created new versions of the package in foreign languages.
The 17-year-old majority shareholder in his company is a teenager juggling between high school and entrepreneurship;It’s a whole organizationlaughs Olivier. “It’s true, sometimes I feel like I’m starting a new day after school.Ryan admits. But the young man is excited about this success and trusts.I guess that will be my job, at least I hope so“. With his eyes on the future, he is already thinking of new inventions that can help Dis.
Source: Le Figaro
