Ferak

Dyslexia is a problem. People with dyslexia get letters and words mixed up and this leads to major problems with reading and writing. This, in turn, is a major barrier to success. Or is it?

A recent study shows that people with dyslexia are far more likely to become millionaires. In fact, almost half of the millionaires in the study had dyslexia! Examples of wealthy dyslexics include billionarie Richard Branson, David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue, and Paul Orfalea, who founded Kinko's and recently sold it to FedEx for more than two billion dollars. Orfalea certainly flaunts his weaknesses. The title of his book is Copy This! Lessons from a Hyperactive Dyslexic who Turned a Bright Idea into One of America's Best Companies.

How does this happen? What explains their success?

Researchers explained that "most people who make a million have difficult childhoods or have been frustrated in a major way. Dyslexia is one of the driving forces behind that." Having dyslexia makes the person a freak and leaves them "outside of the mainstream social groups in school." This often leads to isolation.

However, as I've argued in The Freak Factor, it seems that dyslexia is a two-edged sword. The obvious weaknesses and problems are complemented by important strengths. Having dyslexia may be a gift, instead of a curse. For example, experts suggest that people with dyslexia are often better than most at being "creative and looking at the bigger picture"  and this can make them better strategic thinkers. Dan Pink, author of A Whole New Mind, believes that some of these advantages might result from a greater ability to use the right side of the brain.

One of my good friends, Mike Lowstetter, suffers from dyslexia. However, he's not suffering. He's doing great. As with the famous and wealthy examples I gave earlier, he seems to be succeeding because of his disability, not in spite of it. I think he'll be joining the dyslexic millionaire club soon. You can definatly see him flaunting his weakness on his new blog. The "definatly laugh" post is a good place to start.

I've never wanted a disability before, but I'm a little jealous. How about you?

P.S. Check out Eleanor's comment below. She is the director of RFB&D, Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, in North Carolina. (Full disclosure: I'm on their board of directors). They are a nonprofit that provides audio recordings of textbooks for students. Notice that the mission of RFB&D isn't to fix dyslexia, it is to provide an alternative method of learning.

Comments

[dan]

Dave,

After reading your blog, I came across this interview with award winning photographer and filmmaker David Banks, who happens to have dyslexia and has gone on to do great things. it's only a few minutes long and definitaly worth your time. you can watch the interview here :
http://www.roadtripnation.com/interview_vid.php?interview_id=198&roadtrip_id=6&roadtrip=RTN%202006&team=UK%20Team

thanks for your blog,

dan

[Eleanor Boyd]

Hi Dave:

I do believe that those who overcome disabilities can be stronger, more creative and more successful. The key is overcoming. Either a family member, a teacher or a mentor encouraged them at some point. If that turning point is achieved, then the sky is the limit. Of course, I am thankful for tools, such as RFB&D recorded books to help students with print disabilities reach that turning point! Thanks, EB