Learning Disabilities Don’t Define You
Firsthand accounts from adults with learning disabilities
“You don’t understand because you don’t have dyslexia.”
I remember clearly the first time a student of mine said this to me. And she was right! I do not understand my student’s struggles on a personal level because I do not have any learning disabilities. So, I set out to hear personal testimonies of adults with learning disabilities to prove 3 things for my students:
You can reach your goals despite your learning disabilities.
You are not defined by your learning disabilities.
You are not alone.
Below you will find wise words from 3 adults with learning disabilities —
Rachel, a 27 year old with ADHD
Alice, a 25 year old with specific learning disabilities in reading fluency, reading comprehension, and math
Maria, a 26 year old with dyslexia
Whether you are a parent, teacher, or have a learning disability yourself, I hope these testimonies inspire you!
Rachel
27 year old with ADHD
Was reading difficult for you as a kid? Is it still difficult?
Yes a little bit but not now.
Do you remember what helped reading get easier?
Tutoring and the reading clinic. Reading with the clinic teachers.
Were spelling and writing difficult for you as a kid? Are they still difficult?
Writing was but has improved
Do you remember what helped writing get easier?
Practice practice pracitce and grip on pencil
Do you use any assistive technology for reading or writing?
Voice text sometimes
What would you say have been your greatest accomplishments in life?
Became a daycare assistant, learning how to drive, and finding my fiance
What advice do you have for kids that are struggling with reading and writing?
Just practice and trying reading when you can, maybe they can do story time at night with their parents and try and read with them
Alice
25 year old with SLD in reading fluency, reading comprehension, and math
Was reading difficult for you as a kid? Is it still difficult?
Yes, reading was extremely difficult for me as a kid. I was not able to read until the 7th grade. Reading is still not as easy for me as it is for others. Even though it might take me a little longer I enjoy reading now and it is one of my favorite hobbies.
Do you remember what helped reading get easier?
For me what helped me to read was finding books that I enjoyed. Once I found books that I liked the practice made reading in general easier over time. Reading out loud has also helped me to understand difficult materials at times. Another thing that really helped was taking my time, knowing that my brain works differently and being okay with that has allowed me to ask questions and for help making me a better reader.
Were spelling and writing difficult for you as a kid? Are they still difficult?
Spelling was and is still one of my biggest struggles. My difficulty spelling did and still does at times caused me the most anxiety and embarrassment. Writing in general was a struggle because I knew what I wanted to say but did not know how to make sense of it.
Do you remember what helped writing get easier?
Spelling has become easier with the help of spell check, breaking down words into chunks, and word association. Writing is easiest for me once I get started. Having a templet or example that I can use a guide is what helps my brain the best. I also use a scribe sometimes if I am really stuck, I have people look over my writings four or five times, and I read it out loud to myself. I used all of those tools to write my masters thesis.
Do you use any assistive technology for reading or writing?
Yes, I will use voice to text when I am really stuck on a word or phrase. I also use audio books for more difficult text.
What would you say have been your greatest accomplishments in life?
My biggest accomplishment is graduating with honors for my undergraduate and graduating with my masters degree. When I was 12 my parents were told that I would never go to college and probably wouldn’t graduate from high school the teachers had pretty much given up on me because of this my degrees feel so much more special.
What advice do you have for kids that are struggling with reading and writing?
Reading, writing, and school in general might not come easy for you. But know that you are smart and you are capable of anything you set your mind to.
Maria
26 year old with dyslexia
Was reading difficult for you as a kid? Is it still difficult?
Reading was very difficult as a kid, especially reading out loud. I am still a slow reader.
Do you remember what helped reading get easier?
Practicing reading under a time crunch with comprehension testing.
Were spelling and writing difficult for you as a kid? Are they still difficult?
Spelling was very difficult and still is. I often still feel embarrassed by how bad I am at spelling.
Do you remember what helped writing get easier?
Spelling got easier when I took time to sound out the words and practiced over and over.
Do you use any assistive technology for reading or writing?
Yes sometimes I use a program to read things aloud for me and often rely on technology to correct my spelling.
What would you say have been your greatest accomplishments in life?
One of my greatest academic accomplishments so far have been graduating with 2 masters degrees from a tier one research university despite my struggle with dyslexia.
What advice do you have for kids that are struggling with reading and writing?
If you struggle with reading and writing, keep practicing and don't be afraid or embarrassed to get the help you need. Don't let your pride stop you from using the resources that are available to you (I regret not allowing myself to use the extra time for tests or going to instructors for help). Struggling with reading and writing does not define your value or how smart you are. Never let a learning disability define you or what you can achieve. Reading and writing are crucial skills you will need to succeed so don't ignore the struggle or bi-pass it through the school system -- you are only cheating yourself. Accept that you will ALWAYS have to work harder than those around you in school. This was a constant mental struggle for me but it will only make your achievements more rewarding.
