600px-CD-ROMJames Russell (1931) is the American inventor responsible for inventing and patenting the technology behind compact discs or CDs, called ‘optical digital recording and playback’.

He produced the first operating prototype in 1973. This technology also provided the basis for DVD and video discs, which have transformed modern media right up to the current day. More recently, Russell worked on design concepts for city planning and transportation.

james_russellIn interviews about his dyslexia, Russell has said that he is a highly visual thinker and often uses 3-D spatial manipulation when mentally conceiving of an invention.

Read a full interview with him here.

Sarah Forrest is an Reading Specialist for the Easyread System by Morgan Learning Solutions. Easyread is an online phonics program specially designed for visual learners, dyslexics, children with auditory processing disorders, poor short-term memory, ADHD and more.