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Drawing on Dyslexia

Anecdotally we have often been told that there is a high proportion of our membership who are dyslexic. Far from being a seen a disadvantage and disability, much of the modern world has been created through neurodiverse thinking and the creative brilliance of individuals across multiple fields.

What is Dyslexia?

Made By Dyslexia a charity a global charity, led by successful dyslexics, define it as;

21st Century definition of Dyslexia. 

Dyslexia influences as many as 1 in 5 people and is a genetic difference in an individual’s ability to learn and process information. As a result, dyslexic individuals have differing abilities, with strengths in creative, problem-solving and communication skills and challenges with spelling, reading and memorising facts. Generally, a dyslexic cognitive profile will be uneven when compared to a neurotypical cognitive profile. This means that dyslexic individuals really do think differently. Traditional benchmarking disadvantages dyslexics, measuring them against the very things they find challenging.

They go on to explain that dyslexic thinking skills include;

  • Visualising: Interacting with space, senses, physical ideas and new concepts. 75% of dyslexics are above average at visualising
  • Imagining: Creating an original piece of work or giving ideas a new spin. 84% of dyslexics are above average at imaging.
  • Communicating: Crafting and conveying clear and engaging messages. 71% of dyslexics are above average communicators
  • Reasoning: Understanding patterns, evaluating possibilities and making decisions. 84% of dyslexics are above average at reasoning.
  • Connecting: Understanding self, connecting, empathising and influencing others. 80% of dyslexics are above average at connecting.
  • Exploring: Being curious and exploring ideas in a constant and energetic way. 84% of dyslexics are above average at Exploring.

 

Much has been written about dyslexia and it’s link to creativity – an acknowledged key skill in the changing workplace where combined abilities like creativity, originality and initiative, communicating with others, emotional intelligence, complex problem solving, curious active learning, analytical thinking and innovation – to name just a few – are becoming more important than ever. Even LinkedIn includes Dyslexic Thinking as a skills option on member profiles.

Recognising that all of these skills and more are prevalent within the AOP membership and in response to Dyslexia Awareness Week (3-9 October 2022) and World Dyslexia Day on 7 October, we are holding an open call to members to submit work on the theme – Drawing on Dyslexia.

Entries will be accepted from across all levels of the AOP membership, including those who identify as dyslexic, have been affected by dyslexia in their lives or have worked on dyslexia related projects.

 

SPOTLIGHT Feature

(Entries open: 29 August 2022 | Entries close: 24 September 2022). A selection of images will be curated and will feature as a Spotlight Exhibition on www.aopawards.com in October.

Further – we are keen to encourage all members to take part in a survey in association with The British Dyslexic Association  to help understand our membership and feed valuable data into their existing studies.

We are also looking to host a panel discussion on the topic in early October. Further details on this and all related activities to follow. 

 

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