Hello,
I hope you are keeping well.
This afternoon, I will be in Parliament to introduce my Dyslexia Screening and Teacher Training Bill.
As you may know, I found out I had dyslexia when I was 18, only after I had reached University. I spent my school years avoiding any subjects where I would have to write essays.
I was one of the lucky ones who got diagnosed and was re-taught how to read and write, but too many children are being failed by the system.
It is a quiet scandal that only 1 in 5 dyslexic children are identified at school. Without early identification and the teacher training to help all children learn, we are allowing dyslexic children to fall behind.
We sadly know that far too often, these children can fall into the cycle of crime, with over half of prisoners estimated to have dyslexia. This is not because of a lack of intelligence or work ethic, but because of the lack of support from education.
In fact, dyslexic people have huge natural advantages, whether it comes to enhanced creativity levels or lateral-thinking skills. It did not surprise me to learn that 40% of successful entrepreneurs are dyslexic.
Just think for a moment about the amount of talent that we are failing to unleash.
That's why I'm introducing my bill today. I hope that with the right political will, we can enable all children to make the most of their talents.
I am so grateful for all the support I've received in this campaign so far across politics, amongst campaigners and from constituents.
If you might be willing to help raise awareness of this campaign, I have posted this on my social media channels and would be delighted if you might consider sharing it:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattHancock/status/1536968874666729472?s=20&t=pz9_uIspYHXXhIYJkxNFlQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthancockofficial/videos/5085291608256167/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tv/Ce0SeBoAfYY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/matthancockmp_a-huge-thank-you-to-all-supporters-campaigners-activity-6942735110748147712-Zkvw?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=member_desktop_web
I have also attached some social media graphics which you can use on your own channels to support the campaign.
Thank you again for all your help and support. It is only thanks to the hard work of campaigners and supporters that we can make these positive steps.
Kind regards,
Matt