dyslexia and work the good the bad and the down right ugly

[Stephen]

Thought I had better initiate some discussions here lol. Since becomming a teacher ohhhhh 1995. Blimey is it that long ago? I have found that my creative dyslexic side has been a real bonus to me. It enabled me to develop imaginitive learning programmes for the disaffected or disabled or dyslexic students I have worked with. I have found that my dyslexic problem solving strenghts have enabled me to develop new and successful projects. I also feel that my eventual diagnosis gave me so many answers to the problems that had dogged my life and enabled me to develop a confidence in my dyslexic abilities instead of focussing on the problems that dyslexia presented me with. So in my work place I was able to say with a conviction that I was happy being dyslexic. That it was a part of me I was proud of. This meant that I could reach others and encourage them to find out about their own dyslexia.

On the downside though I have had discussions with some teachers who were telling my there was no such thing as dyslexia. Teachers, a few, who believed students being given dyslexia support were getting an unfair advantage over non dyslexic students.

I saw my paperwork burden increase at an expotential rate on a yearly bases and yet when I asked for more to time to cope with this my first line manager refused. Then he proceeded to harrass and bully me at every opportunity because I was finding the paperwork harder to cope with.

I could continue on and on and onnnnn about the good the bad and the ugly but what are your experiences of being dyslexic in the workplace?

[Louise Franks]

My experience. Hmmmmmmm. Frustration. Stress. Unforgiving. Need I go on LOL. Maybe one day people might be more accepting and understand that dyslexia does not mean incapable or lazy. But while people at work still judge people heavily on there spelling and grammar ability then I guess I have to keep quite. Which causes more frustration and stress. Its funny really because for a large world wide company you would of thought they would be more open to employing people with problems dyslexia. Well actually they say they are but its all paying lip service because the people that actually do the hiring are the judgemental ones. Its ok a company having principals but its the ones doing the hiring that need to take the philosophy on board.

[fred]

I am new to this forum and I just wanted to agree and say Hello for now. It is late and i am tired. Like I said I have travelled by car and even alot of hitchhiking through this country just to see if the whole country was as small minded as the place I was born. It is, and I to am amazed at what goes on when it comes to all businesses, small or large!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fred

[fred]

Well Steve, this is my first reply to your forum site and i want you to know what you are doing should be commended highly for your patience and good work. I decided to join this site just to help you get this going because every little bit helps. I am trying to better myself at the same time. I get overwhemed with the computer deal and loosemy train of thought alot. It takes me so long to type out what I am trying to say because i make all corrections as i go. Then i sometimes forget what I am trying to say. My stories are long and i am tried. But I do understand what you are going through. I just want to say that if we don't try everyday to correct the wrongs, will let the negitive stuff continue and nothing will change. Everyone must stand up for themselve and put a stop to the closed mindedness and petty bull. Our life is short on this planet and we should not be afraid to be different. Good night for now! Fred

[Stephen]

Hi Fred

Yep the computer thing ain't for everybody my friend. When ever I have to write a letter or report etc I draw out a mind map. I don't worry about the spelling or grammar or anything like that. I just use it to get my thoughts out quickly.

If you have access to a good library look for books on mind maps. Try this link:



If the reading is a pain do your own search for articles or books on mind maps

[Stephen]

ooops the link didn't work hmmm

http://www.thethinkingbusiness.co.uk/mindmappingcreate.htm">

try again

[Terry]

My experience in the workplace? Well. . . . . . . . I got fired from a sales job that I had held for 20 years because I was just too slow to understand what my boss wanted me to do. How's that for an experience. I started at this job when I was 25 yrs old. The owner at that time was an older man who just liked me and hired me on the spot. He understood my deslexia and was really patient with me. As the years went by the store was handed down from son to son. The last son was an intolerant perfectionist and I guess his tolerance for me was limited. Unfortunately in Springfield Missouri you can be fired for anything and I was. Nothing I could do about it. Since that time I have held down two jobs which didn't last very long. I just couldn't get the hang of the work I was suppose to do in the time that they thought I should. I have recently started a job at an insurance call center. I took their 6 week intensive training and did fairly well. We'll see if I do well on the phones. I really want this job to work. I don't dare tell anyone I have deslexia because that seems to change everything for the bad. I struggle everyday to try and get things right and it is a tremendous strain. But what else can I do? Deslexia in this city seems to be the kiss of death if you want to hold down a good job. So sad. . . . . .