When we think of great contributors to the world, Steve Jobs, Henry Ford, The Wright Brothers, Albert Einstein, Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison, Leonardo da Vinci come to mind. What do they all have in common? They were all labeled unteachable, struggled in conventional classroom environments, avoided reading, and many required scribes. These individuals all had dyslexia.

These names are not an exhaustive list. It has been discovered that dyslexic thinkers have made these world changing accomplishments because of their dyslexic tendencies, not in spite of them. In fact, individuals with dyslexia have unique abilities to problem solve in alternate ways and have heightened creative skills. Galileo Galilei, Pablo Picasso, Agatha Christie, Walt Disney, John F. Kennedy, Cher, Octavia Spencer, Whoopie Goldberg, Jennifer Aniston, John Lennon, Andy Warhol, Steven Speilberg, Henry Winkler, Erin Brokovich, Richard Branson, and Dav Pilkey all have dyslexic minds.

There is a fundamental problem in our society when these learners are labeled as “dumb” by peers and “lazy” by teachers and this occurs because of a limited understanding of what dyslexia is and how it affects the learner. Although there are museums dedicated to the innovations and artistic creations of dyslexic minds, dyslexia is still misunderstood and a mystery to many.

While many are advocating on the legislative level, there is an urgent need for a space where dyslexic learners and their families can recognize and celebrate their unique learning style.

Both parents and teachers need to know what dyslexia is. Individuals with dyslexia need to be aware of others who have changed our world in every discipline, and reassurance that they can learn and succeed as well.

This is a movement that is imperative for the future generation and it should start here in San Antonio. An incubator of ideas for the country, San Antonio can be the first to change the narrative of dyslexia and remove the conventional obstacles for these promising young minds. This movement will not only impact the next generation, it may provide a corrective and healing experience for adults who were never identified and endured a painful and confusing academic journey. We hope you will join us today.