Rebranding Dyslexia - I Am LEX. | Mark Francis Long | TEDxUNYP
In his talk, Mark Long explores some of the challenges with dyslexia and the narrative surrounding it, and how we can evolve views around disabilities and other human conditions as we learn more and become more aware of issues and prejudices that exist in areas where we may have thought they no longer did. At the age of 6, Mark Francis was diagnosed with dyslexia. Through hard work and a lot of spell check, he graduated with a BA in Mass Media from UNYP in 2011 and has been working as a Brand Strategist & Creative Director in global advertising agencies ever since, in Prague, NYC, and San Francisco. Unfortunately, he has kept his dyslexia hidden from his friends and colleagues through this time, afraid he would be judged or even fired. But now, in his mid-thirties, with two children, he started to feel the need to understand his dyslexia better. Mark also wants to contribute his skills and experience to push for better dyslexia awareness amongst the masses and his community. Dyslexia is riddled with old paradigms, misunderstandings, and false narratives. It is about time to showcase the extraordinary creatives and exceptional problem solvers with something that connects them all - their neurodiversity. How do we start? By rebranding their identity to reflect the modern age. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
Пікірлер: 62
I got mix emotion when you said that we cannot even write or spell correctly our own condition. I'm with you man. I will brand my self as lex now. Its easier
This was AMAZING! I’m the mom of an 18-year old dyslexic applying for college. I’m worried that his average grades do not represent his high intelligence and creativity. You certainly give me a lot of hope! Thank you for the rebranding to LEX.
@briandowney9913
3 ай бұрын
I understand your worry but it will be okay! Your son has gifts and being a "Big-picture thinker" like us dyslexics tend to be often requires more time to have those talents emerge and it will be worth the wait! Society is very narrowed in its understanding of how intelligence works and the different learning styles. There are upwards of 70+ learning styles and academia recognizes basically one. With your support your son will blossom and the mark he leaves on this world will be more significant than the Non-Dyslexic! Best wishes to you both!
Big love to all my dyslexic Brothers and Sisters
I hope you reach the masses. We all need to be educated about Dyslexia. I am so proud of you.
@MarkLong8
Жыл бұрын
Love you. Thanks mom. ❤
I am Lex from now on....65 years of being dyslexic,time to move forward
As a mom of a dyslexic child, I feel confident and thankful for what God had given to my child. Thank you Mark.
Wonderful…it is my life !
Smth that represents us as creatives and as unique individuals. LEX, leadership, endurance and exploration. Have I understood it right?
@MarkLong8
Жыл бұрын
Exactly. We shorten everything for modern appeal these days. Why not this? 😊
Congratulations! Loved that. My little boy is a LEX. Your talk will certainly inspire him. Love from Turkey.
@MarkLong8
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much 😊 so glad to inspire. Took me a long time to come to terms and not be afraid to be open about my unique way of thinking, but now that I have, I feel liberated and free. ❤
Ahhh thank you so much for this talk!!! My 5yo is a LEX amazing kid and you opened my mind to so many resources and ideas, thank you thank you Mark
That was an excellent message and you presented it beautifully! As a Toastmasters International member for many years, believe me when I say this. You should spread this message far & wide. If you could develop a shorter version, say 5 to 7 minutes, it would most likely be easier to get listeners to stay with you to the end where your important message is revealed. With some modifications like that, and a few of the delivery skills Toastmasters recommends, this could be a prizewinning speech. Go for the gold, Mark! You can spread that word. I wish you continued success. Congratulations, Mark. You are already a winner for sure.
Thank you for being part of our TEDxUNYP event!
@MarkLong8
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for supporting me in and out of school with my Dyslexia. Such an amazing school ❤️
This is genius. It is LEX from now on for me.
Mark!!!! Thank you! This talk received one of the first standing ovations I have ever witnessed at any TEDx event and specifically, it was the first of 3 standing ovations for TEDxUNYP 2022. Mark, who would have ever thought about rebranding dyslexia... GENIUS!
@MarkLong8
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Mark! It was such a pleasure and amazing experience. You have a fan for life ❤️
I can NOT imagine what it would be like to battle with not seeing answers to problems. Immediately. Thank you Lord. For dyslexia! And forgive all the kablammy teachers. And people. Who can not fathom simple answers. For huge issues. In a flash. And belittled me. For seventy three years. Hallelujah! Amen.
I've known Mark personally since high school and have had one of his quotes he said to me a decade ago on my wall: "Always be proactive."
What a beautiful way to share your struggle with others that need to know they are not alone.
@MarkLong8
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Cuz. Means a lot to me! Love you 😘
Thank you from Tunbridge Wells, Kent UK.
@MarkLong8
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much. Means a lot to me! All the best to you!
Hi Mark, that was a superb speech delivered with such passion. As a fellow dyslexic diagnosed 35 years ago I spent many years believing it to be a disability. Now in my late 40’s I know some of my best ideas and solutions found are due to this different way of thinking. Keep up the good work!
all teachers should watch this…
This is beyond incredible, Mark! You have worked so hard for this, and it shows. I am so proud of you and everything you do.❤
@MarkLong8
Жыл бұрын
Love you cousin. Miss you ❤
@howl_hatake
Жыл бұрын
@@MarkLong8 love you and miss you too. 💖
Mark, I learned so much from your talk - and leading awareness for Dyslexia with your personal story is incredibly brave and courageous. I can't wait to see this movement build!
@MarkLong8
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Joe. Means a lot to me! You are in inspiration :) Looking forward to out next meet up
Much appreciates, m8. Trying to educate myself on the topic as I teach English at an international school and one of my students has recently been diagnosed with dyslexia. She is 10 years old and she is impressive. Worried she is succeeding by brute force and effort, need to find a way to support her emotionally too. Will share this video with our counsellor, then find a way. Cheers.
I love this.
Loved the presentaion. Great work!
@MarkLong8
Жыл бұрын
Thank you cousin I appreciate it so very much ❤
I always find these talks very inspiring, honest and spot on! It is really needed to put more awareness out there on such issues. Dyslexia is one of them but there are many others and unfortunately not many people know how to work with someone who has a challenge, yet let's be honest when they have the right environment they will strive! Thank you Mark for shining light on this topic more , it is fantastic to watch your journey and goals!
@MarkLong8
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much ❤️ means so much to me.
hi Mark, I was very impressed by your presentation, this is exactly what it means to "grab the bull by the horns" . Neurodiversity is a fact, period! Congrats! Carlos
@MarkLong8
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Carlos. Means a lot to me! All the best to you!
Mark! This is awesome, and congratulations! Very insightful and heartfelt. I am all for the LEX movement. Bravo!
@MarkLong8
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Clari ❤ love you mate. I really appreciate those kind words. You know first hand how LEX had impacted me positively and negatively. Can’t wait to see you mate ❤
that was good ted talk about dyslexia
Thank you Mark! This hits home for sure. We need more of this ✨
@MarkLong8
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Chad! I really appreciate it! Cheers!
I am with you Mark!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
@MarkLong8
Жыл бұрын
❤ thank you Yelena! That means a lot to me. And thank you for you support to the LEX community with you previous work. We can use all the help and support we can get with Dyslexia and neurodiversity. Can’t wait to meet you finally in person❤❤ all the best
Loved your speech👏🏼👏🏼
@MarkLong8
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Paula. Means a lot to me! Your talk was my fave! 😘
Yoooo wsup dog?! Beautiful presentation. ❤🎉
@MarkLong8
Жыл бұрын
Thank you TJ you’re such a stud and such a big support for me. Miss you brother.
I am LEX. 👏👏👏
I discover that I'm dyslexic late in life. However, I thought the language had moved on, my understanding is it's a learning difference not a disability.
I’m dyslexic and I’d like to know why your slogan “Reading and spelling does not define us” isn’t “Reading and spelling do not define us.” Please explain.
I was up to it until the LEX part. I don't "I have dyslexia" y say "I'm dyslexic". We all have issues reading and writing. Not all of us are leaders, some don't have endurance (as his own statistics prove it), exploration is also not a trait. Why do I have an issue with this? We have seen movies or TV shows where autistic kids are geniuses. So... if my autistic kid is not a genius, did I get a defective one? If my dyslexic kid is not a leader or has issues perseverating, can I get a refund? Yes, we have many advantages, I am great at my job because of those advantages. But telling dyslexic kids they are great, has the same or worse consequences as telling them they have issues. Precisely because not all of us have one or the other.
Can you recommend a college for dyslexics?
does the TM after LEX mean that others need permission to use it? to use the type font or the statement? the logo image?
"Positive-Lexia". "Positive about; -dyslexia!!"!! Etc. I would:_ -Love, to: find out: -what: dyslexic/even: -"NeuroDiverse": people: just -generally: CAN - Do; to: "Contribute, to: "{the [very]_World, of}":-Italian FOOTball ("Soccer"): Celtic, F.C. And Asia and Africa. M.K.S. WE CAN!!!!
🎉
O. K. Let me try this. "I AM LEX!!!"
I AM LEX