#MyDyslexiaStory: Angela Barnard
Friday 18 March 2022
My mum realized that I had an issue from quite a young age, however, back then it was not so readily recognized or accepted. I was finally diagnosed at 12, by which time it left me with hardly any time to catch up to my peers and I fell short in my exams
“It is not a disability, just a different ability”
I am a very glass half full kind of person, but when I was younger I suffered bullying for the dyslexia. I spent a lot of time believing that I was thick, stupid. What I lacked in academic skills I made up for in creative ones, so I channelled this. I have always had the ability to think outside the box and find alternative solutions to problems.
I had one teacher at school who was amazing and helped me enormously, I am forever grateful that I had that. Also, my parents never gave up on my, they were brilliant and even in my darkest hours encouraged me to shine
Unfortunately the bullying followed me into adulthood, in one job I was asked to prove that I was dyslexic, when I showed them my assessment paperwork, they would not accept it and had be reassessed, needless to say with the same result! I have always said that it is not a disability, just a different ability
Channelling my creative side
I have always been creative, and this year I gained the courage to do something with it. I have written a children's picture book about a dyslexic trainee fairy godmother and her struggle to overcome bullies and dyslexia. I am currently trying to get this published in a dyslexia friendly font.
My advice for someone who has recently been diagnosed with dyslexia:
Firstly, DO NOT give up on your dreams, you may have to work harder, but that makes it even more worthwhile. Secondly, you are enough, remember it is a different ability, not a disability, surround yourself by people who encourage you and support you and let the negative people get on with it, it is a reflection of them, not you
I want the world to know that……
Dyslexia is a complex thing, employers should not be put off by it, we are usually very creative, thinking outside the box people and can be a very valuable asset, if someone asks for support, give it to them, they may just surprise you with the results. Dyslexia does not define a person