video

synopsis

Filmmaker Harvey Hubbell V is one of 35 million Americans who have dyslexia. Hubbell journeys across the USA to learn more about the condition, and discovers that scientists are close to unlocking the secrets of dyslexia, which is the key to teaching everyone how to read, and stamping out illiteracy.

director's statement

As a child, I had a spring in my step and not a care in the world. Then I went to school. Not long after I started, I remember my teachers having a private meeting about me. “He can barely write his first name,” said Mrs. B. “I noticed he doesn’t know how to hold his pencil,” said Mrs. W. They didn’t know I was listening, but I heard every word.

That was only the beginning of when I started to feel inadequate.

In second grade, my parents found out I was dyslexic. It soon became apparent that I was born at the wrong time to get help. It wasn’t until 1975 that the first laws were passed to intentionally identify students with learning disabilities and to support their rights to education. By then, it was too late for me. I was already sixteen years old and considered damaged goods. In 1977, I (barely) graduated from high school. There were a few attempts at college, but it was apparent to my professors (and me) that I would not survive for long.

Being a visual thinker, I gravitated toward the film industry. For years I worked on any TV show, feature film or commercial that would have me. Eventually, through hard work and determination, I started telling my own stories.

After many films and even more awards, I decided to make a film about dyslexia and show how things had changed since I was in school. Since nearly one in seven students has a form of dyslexia, teachers must have new ways of teaching, and the world must be a better place…or so I thought.

Filming started in New York City, with asking people the simple question, “What is dyslexia?” I was shocked: most people have no idea what it is. As my crew and I continued our search, it didn't take long to discover that the same apathy in the 1970’s was the norm within multitudes of school systems today. Although many are making changes to help dyslexics, too many aren't doing anything at all.

Eventually, I was able to get a hold of education experts and we built an advisory board. We talked to the people at the International Dyslexia Association. We met with educators and brain scientists. We found schools that were operating specifically for dyslexic students. Furthermore, we met moms and dads who challenge the public school systems to do more for their children.

It is my mission to raise awareness, to help dyslexics get the education they need. Some of the most brilliant people in history—including Beethoven, Leonardo Da Vinci, Charles Schwab, Walt Disney—are thought to be dyslexic and we recognize them for their brilliant ideas. 

Dyslexics may feel insecure about themselves because of poor reading or writing skills. Within our rapidly changing times, it’s time for the world to recognize cerebral diversity and help dyslexics find their rightful place in society, instead of ridiculing them for weaknesses.

-Harvey Hubbell V

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