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New Animation Challenges Negative Perceptions of Dyslexia Online
9 in 10 say online dyslexia descriptions damage children’s future, as Made By Dyslexia launches star-studded animation and global campaign to change the narrative
A new global behaviour change campaign from charity Made By Dyslexia aims to transform what millions of children and parents find when they search “What is dyslexia?” online. At the heart of the campaign is a new star-studded animation designed to bring a more balanced, strengths-based understanding of dyslexia to the top of search results. The public is encouraged to watch, like, share and review the film, so that when families look up dyslexia, they’re met with an empowering story.
The new campaign ‘What is dyslexia?’ comes as research from the charity reveals that 9 in 10 people believe the information about dyslexia found online should have an equal focus on strengths, while 3 in 4 say it is too heavily weighted towards challenges. 9 in 10 also say terms such as “lifelong learning disorder” and “word-blindness” negatively affect a child’s belief in their future, with over half saying their child is made to feel hopeless and nearly a third saying they are made to feel scared.
The film aims to challenge outdated narratives by highlighting that dyslexic brains process information differently, resulting in both challenges (such as spelling, reading and writing) and powerful strengths (including problem solving, imagination and storytelling). It builds on growing global recognition of Dyslexic Thinking as a valuable skill set, with Made by Dyslexia’s research highlighting that the most in-demand skills in the world today are exactly those inherent to dyslexic thinkers.
Starring world-renowned actors Jeremy Irons, Liv Tyler and Jaalen Best, and premiering on the UK’s biggest cinema screen the BFI IMAX in London on Saturday 25th April, the film follows a young girl, Lola, who turns to the internet after learning she has dyslexia. When the information she finds paints a bleak picture of her future, she meets a dyslexic inventor who takes her on a journey to discover the remarkable strengths and achievements of dyslexic thinkers throughout history, including Muhammad Ali and Henry Ford.
12-year-old dyslexic actress Hope Day, the voice of Lola said: “There is so much online that makes dyslexic children and young people feel like there is something wrong with them. When I was younger, I discovered Made By Dyslexia and it helped me find what I am really good at. I realised my creativity and passion for singing and dancing is thanks to my Dyslexic Thinking. I wanted to be part of this film to help other children see that being dyslexic gives you brilliant strengths.”
Actor Jeremy Irons, the voice of the wise inventor said: “Coming from a family of creative dyslexics, I know just how important it is that we ensure all dyslexic children understand their extraordinary strengths. Throughout history, dyslexics have played a role in many of the world’s most significant innovations, from the light bulb to the motor car.
“I am so proud to be involved in this wonderful project and hope that everyone will support us in watching, sharing and reviewing the film, so that each year, millions of children and parents will find it at the top of their searches.”
Kate Griggs, Executive Producer of the film and Founder of Made By Dyslexia said: “Every year millions of children search online to understand what dyslexia means for their future, but what they find is often framed around difficulty. When that is the first story a young person hears about their mind, it can damage confidence before they understand their strengths.
“This campaign is about changing that first impression. As a dyslexic, parent of dyslexic children, and the founder of Made By Dyslexia, I know how vital this is. By bringing a more balanced and empowering understanding of dyslexia to the top of search, we can help young people see confidence, capability and their bright futures.”
Research also found that three-quarters (75%) of people believe schools have little or no understanding of the strengths associated with dyslexia. Made By Dyslexia is calling on schools across the globe to play the film in school and take part in the charity’s free training to recognise and value Dyslexic Thinking[AH1] .
The new film is a free resource that parents can watch with children to spark home discussions about dyslexia and different ways of thinking and learning.
Following campaigning from Made by Dyslexia, in 2022 LinkedIn added “Dyslexic Thinking” as an official skill on its platform, reflecting increasing awareness of the strengths dyslexic thinkers bring to education and the workplace.
You can now watch the film at www.whatisdyslexia.org. Every comment, share and review helps towards ensuring the film reaches the top of search right across the world.