By Gabriel Princewill-
Matt Hancock, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has spoken openly about his experience of Dyslexia. Speaking at the global dyslexia summit, Hancock addressed the multiple issues of fear, prejudice that affect dyslexia
The Secretary Of State admitted he had not talked about it for almost the whole of my adult life. He said he was proud to be at the Global Dyslexia Summit. He encouraged dyslexic people to believe that they can do it. In a long speech punctuated with a detailed account of his life experience with Dyslexia, Hancock delivered an admirable presentation on his conviction that Dyslexia can be overcome.
Matt Hancock challenged people to view dyslexia as a quality of ”distinction” and ”difference” rather than adopting negative taboos that serve to weaken the confidence of those who have dyslexia. He told how he retaught myself grammar and spelling from scratch using computer courses, after stating the struggles he had with spellings and sentences up until his adult life.
”Our strengths can help build better businesses, spark innovation, and create new solutions, he said
We may in fact hold the answer to some of the biggest challenges in education, employment and wider society. So we shouldn’t fear dyslexia, or see it as a weakness. We should embrace it and see it as a strength. And if anyone ever tells you dyslexia is just a disability or a drawback say: no.
It’s a mark of distinction, a mark of difference, which has driven some of humanity’s greatest ever achievements”.
SPELLING
He acknowledged the importance of spelling, as he acknowledged the need for a standardized system so we can read and write without misunderstanding each other, I just struggle to see what order the letters go on the page. ” And I reject those who say that spelling isn’t important. Just because I find it hard, doesn’t mean I don’t value it.
”Early assessment and identification of dyslexia is essential to keeping a child’s life chances and horizons open. With the right support and technology anything is possible if you’re dyslexic.
”I think every child who needs a dyslexia assessment should get a dyslexia assessment to ensure children with different educational needs get the support they need. It’s only by early assessment that we can ensure dyslexics fulfill their potential and that, as a society, we start to see dyslexia not as a weakness, but as a strength, he said. A huge strength to draw on, to meet the challenge of the changing nature of work, and the technological revolution coming around the corner”, he said.
”For years, dyslexia was seen as a problem. And sure, it brings its challenges, he said.Dyslexia isn’t a disability, but a difference. It’s a distinction, not a drawback. It’s like we’re on Android when most others are on Microsoft Windows.
SIMPLISTIC
Hancock was simplistic and descriptive in the way he conveyed his personal experience of dyslexia. His every word was directed to the interest of his target group of Dyslexic males and females. Every now and again, he spontaneously communicated in sophisticated language inevitably acquired from his efforts in educating himself. It was an excellent demonstration of versatility from the Secretary Of State. He alluded to Idris Elba’s principle of diversity- a notion he indicated he subscribes to.
Mr.Hancock is the epitomy of success and determination against the odds of the inherent set back often posed by dyslexia. The message Hancock was conveying to his riveted audience was that he has successfully accomplished the role of being Secretary of State , despite having Dyslexia. He did not succumb to the forces of prejudice often projected against dyslexia, but instead surmounted them. Now in a privileged position in which he can inspire others who may be resigned to considering it a failure.
OVERWHELMED
The Secretary Of State said he recently went public with dyslexia, and has been overwhelmed by the sheer outpouring of support. Texts, emails, messages from fellow dyslexics and other people with their own similar stories to tell. Other MPs I had no idea were dyslexic. One other member of the Cabinet: Brandon Lewis, also dyslexic”, he said.
”It turns out dyslexic ministers are a bit like buses. You wait ages for one to turn up then 2 come along at once. It really shouldn’t have been a surprise. Not when dyslexia affects 1 in 10 people. And when the skills the world increasingly needs ‒ creativity, lateral thinking, empathy ‒ these skills are often more prevalent in dyslexics because we find written communication that bit harder”.
The remedy to his dyslexia came when at University, his lecturer discovered that his ability to talk was different to his ability to write. He was asked to test himself, and that’s when he fervently pursued the goal of mastering the art of writing. He concedes he struggled with spelling in his formative years, is still uncomfortable with long words, but admirably provides the blueprint for progress as being self belief and determination.
Mr. Hancock was previously enable to overcome dyslexia because of its negative stereotypes, but now appreciates the legendary levels of innovative achievements that have been wrought by disabled people.
FEAR
”If I’m honest, it’s in part because there was still a fear. A fear that the old stereotypes about dyslexics would get dredged up. That we’re lazy. That we’re stupid. That we can’t do the things that come so easily to other people.
He lambasted stereotypes of dyslexia as being proven to be lazy and stupid in themselves. [Because]There’s nothing a dyslexic can’t do, he said. In fact, there’s many things that we can do better. A dyslexic painted the Mona Lisa, the most famous painting in Western art.
”A dyslexic invented the electric light bulb, ushering in a new age for mankind. And a dyslexic discovered the theory of relativity, setting a new definition for the word ‘genius’.
PREJUDICE
Yet, Made by Dyslexia’s recent research found that 9 out of 10 dyslexics said they had been made to feel angry, stupid or embarrassed because they had dyslexia. That’s true for me too.And only 3% of the wider public believe dyslexia is a positive trait. Unbelievable”. He decried the fact dyslexia is still surrounded by a stigma. ”Somehow, in 2018, there is still a stigma, a prejudice”, he said.
But I think the real reason dyslexia is still seen by some as a drawback is because they still look at life through a 20th, or even 19th, century lens instead of a 21st century lens. Exposing the limitations of those who berate people with dyslexia, he implicitly criticized the tendency for many to ”prioritize straight-line thinking, not creativity or insight”.
”I can understand the importance of spelling and how we need a standardized system so we can read and write without misunderstanding each other, I just struggle to see what order the letters go on the page”, he said. And I reject those who say that spelling isn’t important. Just because I find it hard, doesn’t mean I don’t value it. For me, relearning spelling through phonics got me to a position I can just about manage on paper. And then, like all dyslexics, I’ve got my workarounds.
CREDIT
He credited the commendable levels of government funding for specialist resources for teacher training given by the government. Hancock said new advanced online modules on dyslexia would have the benefit of enhancing teachers’ knowledge, understanding and skills. This is all welcome, and it is what the government’s reforms were designed to do. ”I believe that education, health, public health and social care commissioners should work more closely together to better deliver for children and young people with different educational needs.
”I want to see every child taught according to their needs. And this brings me to the second thing I would like to talk about – early assessment . Hancock said what will set human beings apart from the machines is our creativity, our intuition, our emotional and social intelligence. And those are exactly the skills and strengths that dyslexics have in abundance. We know that better decisions are made when people bring different perspectives. That’s what underpins my profound belief in the value of diversity”.