I Am Dyslexic
I am Dyslexic, now what?If you are Dyslexic you shouldn't despair because you are in very good company, perhaps some would say, very exclusive and gifted company. For example the list of famous Dyslexics is reported to include the following:
Scientists and Inventors:
Albert Einstein, Alexander Graham Bell, Henry Ford, Leonardo Da Vinci
Actors:
Tom Cruise, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Robin Williams, Harrison Ford, Whoopie Goldberg and Keanu Reeves
Pop Music:
Cher, Noel Gallagher, John Lennon, Britney Spears, Usher
Sport:
Duncan Goodhew, Sir Steven Redgrave, Muhammad Ali
Entertainment/Fashion and Innovation:
Guy Ritchie, Jamie Oliver, Richard Branson, Tommy Hilfiger, Walt Disney
This list is not meant to be exhaustive; the Internet can be readily sourced for numerous other examples. However it illustrates two important things that you should take on board.
Firstly it clearly demonstrates the varying character of each of those celebrities, re-affirming that all Dyslexics need to be seen as individuals. Secondly it sends out a loud and clear message that Dyslexia is not a barrier to successful achievement whatever your chosen field.
It may be that your Dyslexia has already been established as a significant factor in your learning difficulties at school. In which case you will probably be familiar with such terms as SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), IEP (Individual Education Plan) or Statement of Special Eductional Needs. You will also probably be in a position to know where your strengths and weaknesses lie in terms of your own learning abilities and you should be prepared to use this knowledge.
Likewise if you are an Adult and have recently been advised that you could be a Dyslexic you may need to consider an initial Dyslexia Screening Test. Thereafter it might be advisable to obtain an Occupational/Educational Psychologist’s report in order that the full implications of your Dyslexia can be gauged.
If you are starting employment or about to embark on higher education you should inform your employer or Student Support Services about your Dyslexia. You will need to discuss with them the best way that you can access information, either in the workplace or on campus in order to learn and carry out the requirements of your job or successfully assimilate course and training material.
If you have a specific area of difficulty that has been highlighted for example with spelling or completing tasks based on a series of written or verbal instructions, or visual colour sensitivity you should raise these issues. You should also emphasise the areas in which you have particular strengths and how these could contribute to potential successful outcomes.
It is important that you tell people about your Dyslexia. Remember it is estimated that at least 10% of the population may be Dyslexic, with a further 4% severely Dyslexic. However Dyslexia does not always affect the way you do every day things because you have probably found a method of “coping”. Realistically that experience means that it should be possible with a little foresight and your employer or tutor’s help to simplify tasks and provide the means to navigate around any Dyslexia related problems.
In the workplace the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 prohibits discrimination against the disabled in employment and under this act provision is also made to include Dyslexia.
Employers cannot refuse to employ a person because of their disability and they are also obliged to consider different ways of working and consider making simple adjustments to work practices. This is why it is important that you discuss your Dyslexia with any prospective employer so that some attempt at accommodating and adapting to your particular circumstances can be made.
Further help and advice from a range of sources is freely available to Dyslexics entering employment or higher education; including access to sources of funding and help in the workplace. Please see Indigo’s page on useful contacts and further information.
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