Dyslexia is not based on intelligence, so don’t judge me by my grades to determine my intelligence, as it wouldn’t be accurate. ~ Marcia Brissett-Bailey

Marcia Brissett-Bailey is a woman who has spent her life defying the odds. Despite being diagnosed with dyslexia at age 16, Marcia refused to let her learning difference hold her back.

Instead, she is a remarkable advocate for individuals with learning differences, particularly dyslexia and used her experiences to become a notable activist for improving interconnectivity in education and the workplace.

In her early years, Marcia struggled to find a community that understood her experience as a dyslexic woman of color. Organizations that catered towards dyslexics often didn’t represent people like her, leading to feelings of isolation.

Despite this, Marcia persevered and attended university. She went on to hold several positions at different organizations, using every opportunity to promote understanding and inclusivity for those with learning differences.

Her personal struggles with dyslexia were a driving force in her activism.

Marcia’s advocacy work did not go unnoticed. Today, she is a Special Educational Needs and Disability case officer for a local authority, where she empowers parents and young people with dyslexia, autism and other disabilities with the knowledge and skills to best support themselves in the education system.

She was:

• Awarded the Adult Award at the British Dyslexia Association 2022.
• Named Top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women in 2022.
• Nominated for the Stereotype Buster of the year category in 2021/22 Celebrating Neurodiversity Awards.

Her work has impacted individuals and communities beyond her own life experiences.

• She is a dyslexia advocate, champion and passionate to empower other Dyslexics and neurodivergent to find their voices.
• She co-founded the British Dyslexia Association Cultural Perspective Committee, which focuses on promoting cultural and linguistic diversity within the dyslexia community.
• She is a public speaker who talks about the representation, education, workplace and diversity from a cultural perspective lens.
• She is a best-selling author of “Black Brilliant and Dyslexic”, which showcases positive role models for black people and those within the dyslexic community and society, serving to inspire current and future generations.

Marcia’s story is an inspiration to people of all ages and backgrounds. It is one of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. She shows us that personal struggles can be transformed into a force for positive change.

Her personal story and advocacy work have contributed to a larger conversation on access and inclusivity for individuals with learning differences, a critical issue in today’s fast-paced and interconnected world.

Her tireless efforts continue to shape a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable future for marginalized groups.

If your child has trouble reading and learning, join the Parenting Hub, where you can connect and network with parents who share similar challenges, ask questions, and seek and find solutions. If you know someone who has a child with learning differences, send them the above link.