Michael
himself is dyslexic, something he only faced up to recently: "I
was hiding away from it until it came to the point where I knew it was affecting
my work at uni and I had to seek help. You can't run away from it."  | | Michael
Ikeneku |
After
many years of struggling with his studies, Michael was able to complete his degree
in Business Information Technology with the help of specialist software. By
opening Phunkmedia, he hopes to help other dyslexic students with their studies
as well as less able-bodied individuals and those with visual disabilites. The
centre has various aids that can help.
Each PC has been installed with special software including voice recognition programmes,
modified keyboards and mice as well as special screens and programmes for the
visually impaired. There are also coloured screen filters which have been shown
to help dyslexic users.  | | Voice
recognition programmes can aid disabled computer uses. |
It's
not only the city's diasbled users that Michael hopes will benefit from the cafe.
Southampton is home to many international students and residents and Michael hopes
that the centre will help promote communication across these communties. Phunkmedia
is located in Bevois Valley, an area with a large multi-cultural society. This
is Michael's first business project and he is optimistic it will be a success:
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained. You've got to take a risk if you want
to succeed in life, in anything you want to do." The
Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Dennis Harryman, officially opened Phunkmedia
at a special ceremony on Friday 28th January. | 
