Barbara Hoi is the founder of Sydney Dyslexia Hub, and her personal journey with dyslexia has shaped one of Sydney’s most transformative approaches to supporting children and adults who learn differently. Her story, sparked by her son Keanu’s struggles at school, reveals how understanding dyslexia can unlock the extraordinary potential within every child.
Seeing Beyond the Struggle: What Barbara Hoi Noticed
When Barbara’s son Keanu was eight, reading and writing were daily challenges. He was placed in the lowest reading groups, and teachers worried about his progress. Some even mistook his frustration for a lack of effort or intelligence.
But Barbara saw beyond the surface. She noticed how her son excelled in visual thinking, creativity, and problem-solving – skills that didn’t always show up in schoolwork but were clear signs of a gifted mind. She knew that his difficulties weren’t a reflection of his ability; they were a sign that he learned differently.
For many parents across Australia, this story is familiar. Children with dyslexia often feel left behind, not because they can’t learn, but because traditional methods don’t fit the way their brains work.
The Turning Point: Discovering “The Gift of Dyslexia” in Sydney
Determined to find answers, Barbara immersed herself in research about dyslexia and learning differences. Her breakthrough came when she discovered The Gift of Dyslexia by Ronald D. Davis – a book that completely reframed how she saw her son’s challenges.
Rather than defining dyslexia as a disability, Davis described it as a different way of thinking – a visual, creative, and multidimensional approach to processing information. It was a revelation. For the first time, Barbara found language for what she had always believed: her son wasn’t “behind”; he was simply wired differently.
This new understanding changed everything. Barbara began implementing strategies that aligned with Keanu’s learning style – approaches that focused on strengths rather than weaknesses. She discovered that when children with dyslexia learn in ways that suit their brains, they flourish.
Building a Program That Works at Sydney Dyslexia Hub
Barbara’s passion to help her son soon became a calling to help others. She trained as a Davis Dyslexia facilitator and, over time, developed her own holistic approach to supporting children and adults with learning differences.
This became the foundation of Sydney Dyslexia Hub, where Barbara and her team offer tailored programs that focus on both emotional wellbeing and academic progress. Her methods blend evidence-based strategies with empathy and creativity, ensuring that each learner feels understood and empowered.
Barbara’s philosophy is simple yet transformative:
“When a child understands that their brain isn’t broken, their entire world changes.”
Through Sydney Dyslexia Hub, she now helps families navigate the challenges of dyslexia, ADHD, and related learning difficulties – offering practical support, mindset coaching, and skill-building that restore confidence and joy in learning.
Keanu’s Transformation: From Struggle to Success in Learning
Keanu’s story is living proof of what’s possible when a child is supported in the right way. Once struggling to read and keep up in class, he went on to achieve an outstanding ATAR of 96.5 in his HSC. He excelled in Advanced English and History, and his work was even published by the Board of Studies.
Today, Keanu is pursuing a PhD in Pre-visualization, combining his love of storytelling and visuals in the field of media arts. His journey, from being labeled as “slow” to becoming a published academic and creative visionary, is a testament to what happens when a child’s learning style is understood and nurtured.
Stories like Keanu’s inspire families across Sydney who are searching for a different approach to dyslexia – one that goes beyond standard tutoring and addresses how a child thinks.
From One Family’s Story to Sydney Dyslexia Hub’s Mission
Barbara’s experience didn’t just transform her son’s life – it sparked a movement. Through Sydney Dyslexia Hub, she has helped hundreds of families across Australia discover that dyslexia is not a barrier, but a bridge to creativity and innovation.
Her work now includes:
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Personalised one-on-one programs for dyslexia and learning differences
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Education for parents and educators
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Coaching for adults navigating dyslexia in the workplace
Each program is designed to empower learners to understand how they think, not just what to learn. This approach helps students rebuild confidence, improve focus, and rediscover the joy of learning.
Barbara’s mission is clear: to help every individual live the life they’re meant to live.
Redefining What Success Means
Traditional education often rewards conformity and memorisation, but Barbara’s story challenges that idea. True success, she believes, comes from helping children discover their unique strengths and harness them.
When students are encouraged to think differently – to visualise, question, and imagine – they develop skills that go far beyond the classroom. These are the innovators, storytellers, designers, and leaders of the future.
As Barbara often says:
“Once a child feels capable again, learning becomes natural.”
This redefinition of success is at the heart of Sydney Dyslexia Hub’s approach, making it one of the most trusted and respected resources for families seeking compassionate dyslexia support.
The Ripple Effect of Understanding
What began as one mother’s journey has become a beacon of hope for many. Barbara’s compassionate, strengths-based approach has created ripples that continue to spread through families, schools, and communities.
Her work reminds us that dyslexia is not a learning disability; it’s a learning difference. When we honour that difference, we open the door to creativity, confidence, and lifelong growth.
The impact is profound. Children who once dreaded reading begin to enjoy stories. Parents who once felt helpless now feel equipped and hopeful. And educators who once struggled to reach certain students find new ways to connect.
Every Child Deserves to Thrive
Barbara Hoi’s story is more than a personal journey – it’s a powerful message for parents, teachers, and anyone who cares about the future of learning.
Dyslexia doesn’t limit a child’s potential – it reveals it. When we see children for who they truly are and teach them in ways that align with their unique minds, extraordinary things happen.
Every child deserves that chance. Every learner deserves to feel capable, confident, and understood.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If Barbara’s story feels familiar and your child is finding reading or writing difficult, a free 15-minute discovery call with Barbara Hoi at Sydney Dyslexia Hub can help you understand your next steps.