Dr. Neville Brown, a pioneering figure in dyslexia education, marks his 90th birthday this month. With over 60 years dedicated to helping children with dyslexia, Dr. Brown has profoundly impacted education through his work at Maple Hayes Hall School for Dyslexia in Lichfield, Staffordshire. As co-principal alongside his son, Dr. Daryl Brown, Dr. Neville continues to drive the school's mission of providing tailored educational support for children with dyslexia, a condition affecting about one in ten schoolchildren.
Founded over 40 years ago, Maple Hayes Hall School stands out for its unique approach to dyslexia education. The school has transformed the lives of hundreds of children by employing an innovative system of icons designed to assist with reading and spelling difficulties often faced by those with dyslexia. This method enables students to overcome challenges that do not reflect their true intelligence. Dr. Brown still personally assesses children before they attend the school, highlighting his enduring commitment to their success.
The school's impact is evident in the achievements of its students, many of whom have transitioned from struggling to write their names to securing a minimum of seven GCSEs and pursuing university degrees. Some alumni have even become high-achieving professionals in various fields. Students at the school appreciate the supportive environment, as one remarked about the icon system:
"My old school tried everything, they gave me special glasses, gave me blue paper, but nothing seemed to work, but I've really grasped the icons system here."
Dr. Daryl Brown explained the system further:
"It works as a visual token to remind us that, that word with -ed on the end, no matter how you're going to say it, puts that word into the past tense."
Under Dr. Brown's guidance, the school fosters a sense of belonging and understanding among its pupils. Another student shared their experience:
"I felt like a lab rat really, everything chucked at me, so it wasn't very nice, but everyone here has got the same thing so you just feel at ease."
Despite reaching his 90th year, Dr. Neville Brown shows no signs of slowing down. He remains actively involved in the day-to-day operations of Maple Hayes Hall School and continues to influence new generations of learners. Reflecting on his passion for teaching and witnessing student growth, Dr. Brown noted:
"They change during the teaching session."
