Unlocking Dyslexia’s Hidden Talents
Introduction to the 3rd Africa Dyslexia Dialogue
“It’s time we all understand dyslexia properly as a different way of thinking, not a disadvantage”. – Sir Richard Branson
Event Overview
The 3rd Africa Dyslexia Dialogue, themed Unlocking Dyslexia’s Hidden Talents: Embracing the Power of Strengths, took place online on the 4th of November 2023. This event brought together educators, policymakers, businesses, professionals, families, and individuals with a shared goal of exploring and celebrating the strengths of people with dyslexia.
While dyslexia is often associated with challenges in reading, writing, and language processing, the dialogue focused on the unique strengths that dyslexic individuals possess, such as creativity, problem-solving skills, spatial reasoning, and holistic thinking. The event emphasized the need to shift perspectives from focusing on the deficits of dyslexia to recognizing and harnessing the talents and abilities of dyslexic individuals.
Objectives of the Dialogue:
- Create Awareness: Raising awareness about dyslexia and dispelling misconceptions by emphasizing the strengths of dyslexic individuals.
- Celebrate Dyslexic Strengths: Highlighting creativity, problem-solving, visual thinking, spatial reasoning, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Promote Inclusion: Advocating for inclusive educational and work environments that embrace and support dyslexic strengths.
- Share Best Practices: Discussing successful strategies, interventions, and accommodations for empowering dyslexic individuals in schools, workplaces, and communities.
- Foster Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration and networking among educators, researchers, professionals, and dyslexic individuals to exchange ideas and experiences.
- Empowerment: Empowering participants to identify and nurture the strengths of people with dyslexia.
Keynote Address
Anthony Dara
Founder of News Central Television, Lagos
Panel Discussions
1st Panel: Identifying and Nurturing Dyslexic Strengths - Recognizing and Developing the Unique Talents of Dyslexic Individuals
Joy Thomas
MD, Dyslexia Ghana
Lovette Singleton
Dyslexia Advocate
Melanie Brethour
Founder, Decoding Dyslexia
Jeannette Roberes
Founder, Bearly Articulating
This panel explored how to identify and nurture the inherent strengths in individuals with dyslexia. Panelists shared personal experiences, strategies for developing dyslexic talents, and success stories from educational and professional settings.
2nd Panel: Creative Problem-Solving and Innovation - How Dyslexic Thinking Patterns Contribute to Innovation
Chris Arnold
Founder, The Garage
Wole Oyeniran
Enterprise Technology & Performance Leader, Deloitte
Tunji Andrews
CEO, Awabah
Donna Stevenson
Head of Training & Assessment, Succeed with Dyslexia
Panelists discussed how the unique thinking patterns of dyslexic individuals contribute to creative problem-solving and innovation in various fields, from technology to entrepreneurship. Examples were given of how dyslexic individuals have excelled in problem-solving and how this skill set can benefit workplaces seeking innovation.
Expected Outcomes:
Increased Awareness: Participants left with a deeper understanding of dyslexia’s strengths and how they can be applied in both educational and professional contexts.
Collaboration Opportunities: The event fostered the creation of networks among educators, researchers, professionals, and dyslexic individuals to promote ongoing knowledge exchange.
Empowerment of Dyslexics: By recognizing and celebrating dyslexic strengths, participants were empowered to pursue their potential and advocate for more inclusive environments.
Dissemination of Insights: Research findings, advancements, and case studies related to dyslexia strengths were shared to inspire further dialogue and action in schools and workplaces.
Download the Dialogue Brochure
Conclusion
The 3rd Africa Dyslexia Dialogue highlighted the importance of recognizing and harnessing the strengths of dyslexic individuals in schools
Watch the full dialogue on YouTube by clicking on the button below