Why Dyslexia Matters

In simple terms, dyslexia is a learning disability that makes it difficult for an individual to read, write, and spell.  This is true even though the individuals’ have normal to above-average intelligence and adequate instruction.  

Dyslexia is caused by the brain’s inability to process information received from the eyes or ears into understandable language.  Unfortunately, many people think students with dyslexia don’t’ care, but that is not the case.  It just means the students learn in a different manner.  I am happy to be dyslexically different.  

Can you imagine for a moment the frustration of not being able to read easily? Recognized as the most common learning disability, dyslexia is defined by an unexpected difficulty in learning to read, yet often the person affected has a very high intelligence. Dyslexia has affected many accomplished individuals, including Oprah Winfrey and Albert Einstein. According to the Yale Center for Creativity, one in five people suffer from dyslexia and between 70 to 85% of children who are placed in special education for learning disabilities are dyslexic. Saddest of all, oftentimes dyslexia goes undiagnosed, allowing smart kids to miss out on opportunities to succeed. Worse yet, they (and often their teachers) think of themselves as dumb and unable to have a bright future, thereby giving up on themselves. This travesty has to end.