Dyslexia is front and centre on international stage

The world’s first ever Global Dyslexia Summit takes place in London today (15 Oct), bringing together high profile dyslexics including Sir Richard Branson, Kelly Hoppen MBE, Chris Robshaw and the Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP. 

Calling for a change in how dyslexia is understood and supported, the Summit will see leading businesses such as Microsoft and EY debate key issues with government policy makers, entrepreneurs, celebrities, arts ambassadors, scientists, sports stars and education professionals. 

Organised by the charity Made By Dyslexia, the Summit delivers a powerful showcase of the strengths of dyslexic individuals and their incredible contributions to successful organisations and teams. 

Kate Griggs, founder and CEO, Made By Dyslexia said:

“There needs to be a refocusing, now more than ever, of how dyslexic ability is viewed and nurtured.

“Our panel discussions this evening include leading figures from government, education, and enterprise who will all help ensure everyone is thinking differently about dyslexia and valuing the power of the contributions dyslexics can make.”

Shaping the Summit is the Value of Dyslexia report conducted by EY and is the first research project of its kind to be carried out solely by a team of dyslexic individuals. Panellists will explore the results of the report and examine how the talents of dyslexics can overcome future skills gaps challenges facing business productivity and economic success. 

Sharing their personal journeys with dyslexia will be successful individuals such as scientist and TV presenter Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Soho House founder and CEO Nick Jones MBE. Their Royal Highnesses Prince Carl Philip  and Princess Sofia of Sweden are also supporting and attending the Summit as part of their Foundation’s work to raise awareness of dyslexia.

At the Summit, Microsoft will become the first business to sign the Made By Dyslexia Pledge and commit to ensuring that their people with dyslexia can realise their brilliant potential.

Microsoft will announce their partnership with Made By Dyslexia to develop key new teacher training and initiatives to make this aim reality.

Speakers at the Global Dyslexia Summit include:

• Nick Jones MBE (Founder and CEO Soho House)
• Chris Robshaw (International Rugby Player)
• Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE (Space Communicator and Scientist)
• Kelly Hoppen MBE (Designer)
• Secretary of State the Rt Hon Matt Hancock
• Nadhim Zahawi MP (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families)
• Sir Richard Branson (via video link)
• Their Royal Highnesses Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia of Sweden (attending the Summit, not speaking)
• Robert Hannigan (European Executive Chairman of BlueVoyant cyber security and former Director of GCHQ)
• Barbara Holzapfel (General Manager, Microsoft Education)
• Steve Varley (Chairman and Managing Partner UK&I, EY)
• Gill Jones (deputy director of early education, Ofsted)
• Amanda Berry (CEO, BAFTA)
• Rick Edwards (broadcaster and writer)
• Kate Griggs (founder and CEO, Made By Dyslexia) 

About Made by Dyslexia: Led by successful dyslexics, our mission is to help the world properly understand and support dyslexia by developing campaigns and tools to explaining dyslexic thinking.  Dyslexic minds process information differently. Their divergent, lateral thinking has created some of the world’s greatest inventions, brands and art. Yet dyslexia is still perceived as a disadvantage. Schools aren’t designed for dyslexic thinking; most teachers aren’t trained in dyslexia, meaning many go through life without knowing they’re dyslexic. We aim to democratise dyslexia support so every dyslexic child is identified and enabled to get the right help, and to understand their potential.