Journey into Dyslexia

A recent study revealed that as many as 35 percent of entrepreneurs may be dyslexic. Putting their unique differences into perspective is Carl Schramm, CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, whose mission is to advance entrepreneurship and improve the education of children and youth.

Schramm asks, "Are these people more visionary, can they see things differently? They come to the realization that society pronounces the number of skill sets that are necessary for success that they don't seem to have. And they go out and build the environment in which they will impact. That's sort of my working hypothesis to explain why all these entrepreneurs exist who have traits of dyslexia."

Academy Award winning filmmakers Alan and Susan Raymond brought the topic to prime time in May. The  HBO2 documentary, Journey into Dyslexia, examined dyslexia's complexities and debunked its myths.

Among the notable dyslexic adults who recount their struggles and triumphs in the film are: consumer advocate Erin Brockovich; Ben Foss, inventor of the Intel Reader; Steve Walker, New England Pellet founder and CEO; micro sculptor Willard Wigan; and Dr. Carol Greider, 2009 Nobel Laureate in Physiology and Medicine. They describe dyslexia as "a gift" and "a wonderful form of intelligence" that facilitated their success.

Free DVDs are available from The Kauffman Foundation while supplies last. To request a copy, please fill out this form.