The neuro bias with the so called "entrepreneur".
Helen Tite iCareiMove
Training Provider - iCareiMove Health Consultancy - Specialists in Ageing in the Workplace, Menopause and the Older Adult
There is 50K available for you. It asks for innovation, making a difference and demonstration of job creation. It says it embraces entrepreneurs. All you have to do is answer 10 questions and you will be scored out of 100. So you send an email and say "I can do all of that but I am dyslexic and would prefer to send in a film". Oh no they say, "that's not fair on the other applicants". So you write the document, answer the questions and fail to get the tender. The de-brief comes back and it says all the questions score 7/10 with a tone of "could do better."
Actually, as I am learning more about clean language and neuro diversity I recognise there is a significant bias towards the dyslexic entrepreneurs as the procurement process does not factor that in. It's ok to say it's not fair to film yourself because you are good on camera and it might affect the others, yet is it fair when the flow of writing does not come out of the finger tips of a true dyslexic. I say "true dyslexic" as spelling neccesary incorrectly doesn't make you dyslexic my friend.
Sometimes the gift of dyslexia is also a curse. Level playing fields do not exist with the unconscious bias around dyslexia and other learning disabilities. It is not just bad spelling! Sometimes being in the playground, searching for funding opportunities to increase productivity is like asking a fish to climb a tree. If the fish climbs it, he will get the money!
I urge you to understand more about those who are on the spectrum or have other perceived disadvantages in the workplace. Theses people are the ones who are writing your code, creating your visions and building your businesses and you may not know how to capitalise on their gifts and make the most of these people. Be patient.
Sorry, not sorry for the speeling by the way. We are not all created equally, but are unique, fabulous and everyone deserves a right to be the best that they can be.
Sorry, not sorry for sounding angry. You win some, you lose some. Sometimes you may also need to poke the problem with a stick and see if it resonates with the academics and procurement writers. Maybe leadership trainers and those in equality and diversity roles could address this in more detail. Learning disabilities appear to be neglected in the world of equal opportunities.
I encourage a conversation about this. Maybe you are someone who writes tenders? Someone who is driving the way forward in diversity. Maybe I am talking about you? This has happened to you? Let's start a conversation that matters.