Volunteers Week: James' Journey
Wednesday 1 June 2022
Tell us about your dyslexia journey
I grew up in the Royal Air force, moving every 2 years, before my diagnosis I was very much struggling in school, I was about 10 years old and living in Cornwall when I got the diagnosis of Dyslexia.
My educators tried to help but ultimately couldn’t handle the extent of my difficulties as they were unequipped. Eventually, after many tough years I wound up a Mark College, a specialist dyslexia school where I spent my final years of school.
The following years in work were also difficult having very few qualifications I worked my way through various jobs gaining experience and showing my real talents but ultimately keeping my dyslexia a secret due to the stigma until I joined Texthelp which made me confident enough to talk about my dyslexia.
Why you decided the become a volunteer?
When I was in school I struggled and even when I grew up and worked I was still worried about the stigma affecting my career so I powered through silently.
Eventually, I joined Texthelp as an Education Development Executive, Texthelp provides assistive software to schools and workplaces such as Read&write, Orbitnote and Equatio. They empowered me to discuss my disability openly and I felt I should advocate for others to do so also and to make sure children are diagnosed as soon as possible, I also want others to have the tools to thrive so I decided to join BDA and spread the word as much as I can.
How you hope to help the BDA in as a volunteer?
I am hoping to encourage others to advocate for dyslexia and improve the education system so no child is left left behind. Via my work and through my voluntary work, I have been asked to join the Technology Advisory Committee and hope I can have an impact on the users of assistive technology.
Find out more about our volunteer network here.