Can anyone confirm this, please?

[Justin Jett]

It has been a rough summer for me. Today, I found out something interesting though. According to a friend of mine, Walt Disney had a learning disability. Is this true? What are the details? Google results in numerous mentions of this, but I dont have any details to back it up.

Thanks for any help and/or info. Maybe Walt Disney and I have something in common.

 

[mjaclyn]

I found this info online that states Walt had Dyslexia, though there are other reports that this isn't true. This is the first time I've heard of it... very interesting.

http://dyslexia.learninginfo.org/famous-people2.htm

 

[skiingfast]

I wouldn't put a lot of faith in it. I'm not sure how literate Walt was and information about him is usually not good. Too much lore has been added to the legend.


I'm not an educator, but when he was young 100 years ago think about insane asylum and how poorly mentally handcapped people were treated. I doubt there was such a term as learning disability commonly used back then.

 

[BrizMarc]

I found this info online that states Walt had Dyslexia, though there are other reports that this isn't true. This is the first time I've heard of it... very interesting.

http://dyslexia.learninginfo.org/famous-people2.htm

considering there is another thread in this forum that shows hand written letters from Walt Disney this isnt true. I have read a few of his bios and none mention any disability's.

 

[Kristina]

I don't know if it's true or not Skip but I have a good feeling that you and Walt have many other fine qualities in common !
I know Walt had a rough time of it too at least once, when he suffered a depression and had to go away with Lily for a while.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I've read in a few biographies that he did, in fact, have some form of learning disability. I believe dyslexia was mentioned in one, but don't quote me on that. I know his education was somewhat limited due to the nature of his family's moving a lot.

 

[Justin Jett]

Spent all day yesterday looking over articles on Google. There are numerous conflicting reports/information on the subject. I am not sure what to believe.

I have learned this year that attitude is everything, and hard work is very important.

 

[darrengs]

I found this info online that states Walt had Dyslexia, though there are other reports that this isn't true. This is the first time I've heard of it... very interesting.

http://dyslexia.learninginfo.org/famous-people2.htm

According tho that article I would say no he did not have it, I would trust Dave Smith who is quoted:

"Says Dave Smith, Director of the Walt Disney Archives, 'There is no indication anywhere in Walt's history that he ever had dyslexia, either in his childhood or during his business career.'"

 

[gr8leg8]

Hey Skip!

Next time you are in San Francisco...
Come visit the Disney Family Museum.

As someone with dyslexia,
I have always been inspired by creative types.
These folks have gifts that are not always valued in a "sit down & be quite" learning environment.

If I remember correctly,
Walt volunteered to be an ambulance driver during the war because he was too young to enlist.
It was here that his creative side (encouraged by an aunt)
came out in doodles to entertain his friends.

Rereading my post...
I mean no disrespect to any educator. I know there are many gifted teachers here.
I am so glad we have learned much about different learning styles and intelligences.
Back in my elementary days there were two labels
Lazy or Stupid
It took a while to let go of that falsehood.

Skip -
from what I know of you,
you are an amazing young man.
Rescue greyhounds, active educator on the boards, etc.

Wouldn't it be great to step into Club 33 and have lunch with Walt...