Experiencing Dyslexia: A Live Simulation

This year, families were invited to engage in an immersive, hands-on experience specifically designed to provide insight into the emotions and frustrations that learners with dyslexia may encounter. 

Experience Dyslexia is a groundbreaking simulation developed by the California State Department of Education — Special Education Resource Network in the early 1980s. Updated and facilitated by the International Dyslexia Association Northern California, it provides a unique window into the challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia. This simulation immerses participants in six stations replicating common language-related tasks commonly encountered in educational settings. 

Participants rotate through tasks such as reading, listening, and handwriting. In order to make the tasks more challenging for adults, participants are instructed to read a story aloud that is entirely in code or printed as a poor-quality mirror image. Listening tasks include heavy background noise, so it is difficult to follow the directions. Writing tasks incorporate mirrors and writing with one’s non-dominant hand so that adults cannot depend on their muscle memory.

Dyslexia, characterized by difficulties in specific language skills, affects a significant portion of the population. Estimates suggest that 15-20% of individuals exhibit symptoms of dyslexia, including slow reading, inaccurate spelling, and struggles with written expression. 

This learning difference impacts various language domains, posing challenges in reading, writing, spelling, speaking, and language processing. Despite these hurdles, individuals with dyslexia often display diverse intelligence and may excel in other areas. Typically, they have normal vision, hearing, and physical development but may grapple with low self-esteem and frustration due to language skill difficulties.

One common misconception about dyslexia is the belief that individuals see things backward; however, dyslexia primarily affects the recall of labels associated with visually similar letters or words. Through Experience Dyslexia, participants can gain insight into the true nature of dyslexia, dispelling myths and fostering a deeper understanding of the condition.

The simulation aims to foster empathy among participants. Many participants expressed feelings of inadequacy and frustration, while some noted that they frequently gave up or relied on the help of others. While the simulation may induce stress and emotional fatigue, it represents a "worst-case scenario" designed to promote understanding and support for individuals with dyslexia in educational environments.

By raising awareness and dispelling misconceptions, Experience Dyslexia encourages inclusivity so that we can support every type of learner.

If you want to learn more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week, explore the official site here.

Read more about the International Dyslexia Association here.