Understanding dyslexia can drive your business forward

20% of the workforce has dyslexia

Dyslexics account for about 20% of the U.S. population — nearly 65 million people. Can you afford to overlook one-fifth of applicants in today’s hypercompetitive labor market?

In this podcast, Grant Thornton Chief Economist Diane Swonk, a dyslexic herself, talks with Dr. Sally Shaywitz, the Audrey G. Ratner Professor in Learning Development at Yale University and co-founder and co-director of the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity, about common misconceptions about dyslexia and how employers can boost competitive advantage by better understanding how to recruit and support dyslexics in the workplace.

Dr. Shaywitz explains that dyslexia is not a cognitive impairment; it’s a neurological condition that makes it more difficult for people to read. Too often, children with dyslexia are unfairly stigmatized because they are not correctly diagnosed. Yet adults with dyslexia bring real strengths to the workforce. Because they’ve had to work hard and find creative strategies to deal with this condition, they are resilient, creative thinkers and problem solvers, and valuable, empathetic teammates.

“Dyslexics sit atop lists of the best in virtually every profession,” said Dr. Shaywitz, who cites renown business leaders, physicians, scientists and writers who are also dyslexics. “Businesses are desperate for talent. They can’t afford to write off one-fifth of the population, especially candidates who have demonstrated their work ethic and creativity by dealing with their dyslexia.”

Listen to the podcast to learn how your business can recruit and work with this remarkable population to strengthen your workforce today. Then learn more by reading Dr. Shaywitz’s book, Overcoming Dyslexia. 

Contact:

Media: