Lorna Burnett

I was not diagnosed as dyslexic until 2005 - I was 20 years old and studying at Bradford College. I struggled at school to keep up with my class mates and found things like the alphabet, maths and literacy very hard. I knew there was something different, but did not know how to describe it. I don't think anyone realised other than me.

I referred myself to Learning Support at college and was assessed formally. That was a big step for me, because at school I always tried to hide my difficulties, which is probably why no one realised.

In positive ways; I now work at Bradford College in the SEND & ALS department. My job title is "Access & Inclusion Advisor"; it is my role to support students with SpLD. I read their assessments and write learning agreements so they can access support with their studies.

Negatively, I guess you could say I have missed out on relationships. Milestones that peers reach easily have been harder for me to grasp. However, asking for help and getting assessed has helped with my confidence.

I was supported very well at college in class and with my exams. At university I was also supported by DSA tuition, exam arrangements and support from my tutors.

At work I am very lucky to have a supportive team around me who understand my need for support. I have purple lenses in my glasses for reading, I use Dragon software when producing written work. I have constant reminders to manage my working day (as well as lists at home).

I went to university at 28 and got my BSc in Applied Psychology, and in 2020 aged 35 I got my MSc also in Psychology. My aspiration is to be an Educational Psychologist - to ensure no child / young person falls through a gap.

Don't despair. Keep going you can do whatever you set your mind to, dyslexia does not mean you cannot achieve. Always ask for help.

We, dyslexics, have the ability to do anything a non-dyslexic person can - it just might take us more time and effort to do it.