#United States #New York #Dyslexia #Made By Dyslexia #Dyslexic Thinking

Made By Dyslexia Launches Ambitious Campaign

In a groundbreaking effort for Dyslexia Awareness Month, the global charity Made By Dyslexia has unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at broadcasting its short animation, 'What is dyslexia?', to a staggering 100 million screens around the world. This initiative is designed to help dyslexic children recognize that dyslexia represents a distinctive and valuable way of thinking.

This innovative campaign features the voices of Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons and Liv Tyler, along with Jaalen Best and 13-year-old actress Hope Day, who voice the characters in the film. The premiere took place at the SVA Theatre in New York City, setting the stage for a journey that will touch all 50 U.S. states and extend to seven continents.

A Global Journey

The film will be screened in a wide variety of venues, from classrooms, libraries, and universities to cinemas and homes. Audiences can expect to see it showcased in remarkable locations, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Antarctica, and even London's famed Piccadilly Lights. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic has announced that the film will feature in its onboard entertainment systems, ensuring that even passengers miles above ground can participate in this important movement.

According to new research conducted by Made By Dyslexia, while a significant 87% of respondents believe that dyslexia brings along unique strengths, about 74% lament a lack of understanding in schools regarding these strengths. To address this, the organization is collaborating with partner organizations such as the International Dyslexia Association and Decoding Dyslexia to spread the message throughout communities nationwide.

The Animation’s Narrative

The animation follows young Lola on her enlightening journey to discover the remarkable strengths of dyslexic individuals throughout history. It emphasizes that dyslexic people often process information differently, leading to challenges such as difficulties with spelling, reading, and writing. However, it also showcases powerful strengths that include problem-solving abilities, imagination, and storytelling, thereby highlighting the dual nature of dyslexia.

Voices for Change

Erin Brockovich, a notable ambassador for Made By Dyslexia, expresses the importance of this initiative, stating that “Every dyslexic child deserves to know there is nothing wrong with the way their brain works.” She emphasizes that the animation delivers this crucial message in a simple yet powerful manner, aiming to reach millions.

Kate Griggs, the founder of Made By Dyslexia and executive producer, advocates for the recognition of dyslexic thinking as a valuable skill. “Dyslexic Thinking is celebrated on platforms like LinkedIn; it represents a unique form of intelligence that children should recognize as a strength,” she asserts. The goal is to let children know they are not alone in their thinking process but rather part of a larger narrative that values diverse cognitive approaches.

Additionally, Jeremy Irons characterized the campaign as a movement designed to reshape the narrative surrounding dyslexia. He expressed pride in being part of this initiative, which he believes will resonate globally. Liv Tyler echoed this sentiment, sharing her personal experiences with dyslexia. She noted how her Dyslexic Thinking has significantly influenced her career, fostering her creativity and imaginative connections.

Taking Action

Made By Dyslexia encourages everyone to participate by hosting film screenings, watch parties, or simply sharing the animation online. For those looking to engage further, details can be found at whatisdyslexia.org.

This mission marks a pivotal step in the fight for better awareness and understanding of dyslexia, aiming to educate children about the strengths their unique thinking offers. As they venture to reach 100 million screens, the message remains clear: dyslexia should be celebrated as a different yet commendable way of thinking.