"I believe that every 'dyslexic' person has the ability to learn the skills and mindset needed to overcome dyslexia difficulties and flourish in life."
Dr. Antonio G. Farruggia-Bochnak
Dominant view
The dominant view of dyslexia is that it is a disability that is linked to a person’s genetic makeup. From this viewpoint the ‘dyslexic’ person is the cause of his/her difficulties. Researchers search for the cause of dyslexia so that one day they will be able to eradicate dyslexia.
Alternative view
I believe that dyslexia is experienced when a person who is strongly orientated to express him/herself through a natural medium of expression such as art, dance, music, physical movement, etc., hasn’t developed the full range of skills needed to use the artificial medium of expression, written language.
Develop skills
I believe that everyone can learn the skills needed to use the artificial medium of expression, written language. I also believe that ‘secondary difficulties’ associated with dyslexia such as difficulties with memory, organisation, prioritising tasks, etc., can be overcome through improvement in skills.
Change meaning
I believe that the social construct of dyslexia will become meaningless if large numbers of ‘dyslexic’ people reconceptualise dyslexia to exist externally to themselves and overcome their experience of dyslexia difficulties.
Don't label
I believe that all people who are strongly orientated to express themselves through natural mediums of expression such as art, dance, music, physical movement, etc., can invent their own unique methods to learn to use the artificial medium of expression, written language. So why label a person as ‘dyslexic’?
Equal opportunity
I believe that, once the label dyslexia becomes meaningless and the methods used to teach people to read and write become fully inclusive, people who would have been labelled as dyslexic will not experience stigma, oppressive attitudes, and discrimination in education and in society.
Celebrate diversity
How wonderful would it be if all people were supported and encouraged to develop their preferred and non-preferred natural mediums of expression rather than being forced to switch them off by a world that places great emphasis on the use of the artificial medium of expression, written language.
