Did you know that one in 10 people are likely to be dyslexic? Yet, despite representing 10% of the population, 22% of dyslexics are unemployed. Experts believe that employers should embrace and adapt to dyslexic talent.
To combat misconceptions that having dyslexia can hold people back in their careers, experts are providing guidance on how to improve their recruitment and support systems for dyslexic people; during Dyslexia Awareness Week starting today, 4 October 2021.
The theme of this year’s week is Invisible Dyslexia, confirmed the British Dislexia Association, to explore the entire theme of visibility within the community. This year’s campaign will highlight the importance of mental health, increase visibility of underrepresented groups; and raise serious issues of dyslexia being overlooked within education and the workplace.
MISCONCEPIONS ABOUT DISLEXIA
This year, the neurodivergent experts from the social enterprise Exceptional Individuals have collected data on the net worth of famous dyslexics and their education level, in order to combat misconceptions that having dyslexia can hold people back in their careers. They have collated insightful statistics on the top 20 highest earning dyslexic celebrities; which includes Steven Spielberg, Jamie Oliver, Jennifer Aniston and Caitlin Jenner. At the top of the Dyslexia Rich List is Bill Gates, one of the richest men in the world (the youngest billionaire at 31); with a net worth of over £64 billion. Someone on the average UK salary would have to work for over 2.4 million years to reach Bill Gates’ net worth.
And it’s not just entrepreneur dyslexics who make their millions from their divergent thinking. The people in the rankings are from a range of industries, including chefs and stars in the entertainment industry; such as Cher (7th), Jamie Oliver (9th) and Whoopi Goldberg (20th). Plus, findings show that only four out of the top 20 have a university degree; and nearly half of the top 20 left school before turning 18. By pushing for a better understanding and appreciation of dyslexic individuals, bosses can get a mix of minds on board, to create opportunity and boost their business.
TOP-EARNING DYSLEXIC CELEBRITIES
Who are the top 20 highest-earning dyslexic celebrities? See the chart below.
DYSLEXIA EXPLAINED
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that makes it challenging for the person to read and spell accurately. Some dyslexics may have trouble with additional issues such as their short-term memory, processing information, following instructions, timekeeping and organisation. In short, dyslexic brains are just wired a little differently; and alongside the difficulties there are some remarkable strengths too. The way the dyslexic brain works isn’t wrong, it’s just different. The advantages of dyslexia are huge, but they often remain untapped if employers don’t recognise, appreciate and adapt to their dyslexic employees.
So what are some of the most common dyslexic strengths? Here are just a few small examples of those strengths:
- Creativity: Dyslexics are often highly creative. This is because they often have to strive to find creative solutions to tasks they find challenging, but also because many are exceptionally brilliant visual and/or spatial thinkers. This is why industries such as TV and film have many dyslexic employees.
- Design: Dyslexics have strengths in pattern recognition and spatial awareness, which enable them to design in ways others are not able to. Tommy Hilflinger struggled to read at school, but his sharp eye for fashion has made him millions.
- Communication: Dyslexic people can struggle to find words, such as the names of people they know, but they’re able to communicate brilliantly via storytelling, often with lots of energy. Many actors and actresses are dyslexic as the list shows. In fact, they’re some of the world’s best communicators.
- Big picture: Dyslexics are good entrepreneurs because they can look past the details to find the answer. Laser-sharp focus has helped Richard Branson become one of the most successful entrepreneurs of all time.
MAXIMISING STRENGTHS
“As you can see from our findings, dyslexia can be a real asset to an employer. But employers are still using processes that are quite dated – not considering an applicant if there is a spelling mistake on their application for example – which is screening top talent out,” stated Matt Boyd, Founder of Exceptional Individuals. “Once recruited, an employer can make simple and inexpensive changes to ensure that a dyslexic employee can work to the best of their ability in a fairer work environment; and that their strengths are being maximised. We advise that a Workplace Needs Assessment is undertaken, which provides recommendations to adjust the working environment to their individual needs, which we can help you to implement.”
SUPPORTING DYSLEXIC STAFF
So how can employers improve how they recruit and support dyslexic people? Many employers are not aware of the challenges that the recruitment process can pose for dyslexic or other neurodivergent individuals; and this means they’re missing out on invaluable talent.
There are numerous ways businesses can accommodate the needs of people with dyslexia; not only gaining from their strengths, but preventing dyslexia discrimination. Exceptional Individuals provide advice and guidance to employers on how to improve their recruitment and support systems for dyslexic people. Recommendations include:
- Job adverts: They should be written in plain English; using bullet points and short sentences (or video adverts).
- Interviews: Keep them short, using visual presentations.
- Training: Make sure it’s hands-on, practical learning.
- Working environment: Install dyslexia-friendly fonts; and encourage regular breaks.
Click here for more information on Dislexia Awareness Week in the UK.
The latest statistics from Public Health England show that 94% working-age adults with learning disabilities are without paid jobs nationwide. Click here to read more.
Sign up for our newsletter
