[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 188 (Friday, November 22, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING DRS. SALLY AND BENNETT SHAYWITZ 2019 RECIPIENTS OF THE LIBERTY 
                      SCIENCE CENTER GENIUS AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 22, 2019

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, at this year's Liberty Science Center 
Genius Gala, two outstanding members of my District, and my very good 
friends, Drs. Sally and Bennett Shaywitz were recognized with a 2019 
Genius Award in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the 
study of dyslexia and its impact on those afflicted with this 
frustrating learning disorder. Two of five visionary men and women of 
science bestowed this prestigious honor this year, this is a remarkable 
tribute to the lifetime of good work that Sally and Bennett have done.
  The world's leading experts on dyslexia, Sally and Bennett are the 
Co-Founders and Co-Directors of the Yale Center for Dyslexia and 
Creativity. Academic physicians, Sally specializing in developmental 
pediatrics and Bennett a neurologist and neuroscientist, they worked 
together to discover dyslexia's scientific basis, pioneer effective 
therapies, and change public attitudes. Afflicting one in five people 
in the United States, dyslexia is our most common learning disorder and 
it has been through the leadership of Sally and Bennett that we better 
understand this disorder--why it happens and how it can change over 
time.
  Lab partners for thirty-five years--a partnership that is only 
outmatched by their marriage of fifty-five years--Sally and Bennett 
made it their life's work to understand how reading behavior might 
change from childhood to adulthood. Over the course of the last three 
and a half decades, they have continuously studied four hundred fifty-
five people from the age of five. Their research has definitively 
demonstrated that dyslexia affects boys and girls in equal numbers, is 
not something that is outgrown, and is not linked to intelligence. 
Brain scan studies that Bennett conducted reveal a neural signature, a 
particular brain abnormality, is responsible for dyslexia. The results 
of their dedicated efforts have debunked the myth that those with 
dyslexia are simply less intelligent and has enabled physicians, 
scientists, teachers, and policy makers to better understand how to 
best help those affected by the disorder.
  The Library Science Center is dedicated to inspiring the next 
generation of scientists and engineers and to exciting learners of all 
ages about the power, promise, and pure fun of science and technology. 
Each year their Genius Awards Gala honors pioneers in science, 
technology, and innovation. It is a fitting recognition of the lifetime 
achievement of this special couple. It is with great pride that I stand 
today to join the New Haven community in extending my heartfelt 
congratulations to Sally and Bennett Shaywitz on this very special 
honor.

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