Image Source: Dr. Shawn A Robinson
Dr. Shawn Robinson learned to read at 18 years old and is now a researcher whose work involves increasing opportunities in education and employment for people with dyslexia and Black boys.
Growing up, Robinson was placed in special needs classes and was even kicked out of high school his sophomore year because he would frequently react in anger due to his frustration with trying to read. It was not until his senior year that he was diagnosed and began to receive intervention for dyslexia. His mentor, Dr. Nash, taught Robinson the basic reading principles including phonics, morphology, and fostered Robinson’s found love of learning. Dr. Robinson went on to get his PhD in Language and Literacy, and worked at Wisconsin’s Equity & Inclusion Lab.
He has also co-authored a series of books with his wife called Dr. Dyslexia Dude in which the young African-American superhero struggles with dyslexia. The challenges faced by this hero are the same challenges Dr. Robinson experienced early in his life. With these books, he hopes to inspire the next generation of dyslexic superheroes.
Read more about Dr. Robinson’s struggle with dyslexia, his current work and Dr. Dyslexia Dude.