A Birmingham firm is giving preference to people with dyslexia because it believes they can be more creative thinkers than those without the learning disability. The Framers, an exhibition support company based in Digbeth's Custard Factory, claims people with dyslexia bring an "added benefit" to business through a heightened ability to think outside the box. The firm's stance comes at a time of growing awareness of the hidden abilities possessed by those with the condition who were once written off by the education establishment. Studies conducted in recent years also suggest an association between dyslexia and artistic talent. Rob Martinez-Perez, a partner at The Framers, said: "For me it is a benefit, not a hindrance. It is a very useful tool in terms of the added benefit you get. "Within the creative industry there are so many people who have dyslexia to one degree or another it is not seen as such a social stigma. "I have no problem with it at all, it is a skill and I see the positive element of dyslexia." Mr Martinez-Perez, who created the company with partner Lawrence Roper ten years ago, said people with the condition often had heightened visual skills. "The visual aspect of it, the ability to see space and transfer ideas from descriptions is heightened," he said. The Framers is one of a handful of firms exhibiting at a conference in Birmingham today, where a report will be launched on people with dyslexia working within creative fields in the city. The study is set to confirm there is a higher than average proportion of employees with dyslexia in local creative industries. Warwickshire-based research and development consultants Avon Vale, another exhibitor at the conference, also extols the virtues of dyslexic employees. Managing director Graham Tovey, who recently employed two dyslexic workers, said: "The work they produce is not in anyway less than anyone else. "Maybe I have detected awareness beyond what we would normally be aware of." The latest study, which was funded by the Learning and Skills Council, identifies a lack of support given by creative industry employers to people with dyslexia. As a result, many talented individuals become frustrated and leave the sector, which according to the study is worth £1.9 billion annually in Birmingham, to seek less skilled jobs elsewhere. Michael Ryan, the LSC's regional media skills manager, said: "Given the prospective growth of the West Midland's creative industries sector it is imperative that employers are made aware of the issues and given the help and guidance they need to support and get the best out of their employees with dyslexia." | 
