Famous Dyslexics
Are you an adult who has been struggling with spelling, writing, or reading for years? Is it hard for you to manipulate verbal information in your head...or to remember it later? Are you frustrated that you cannot remember simple math sequences or cannot spell simple words? If so, you might be dyslexic. Dyslexia is a learning disability that covers many types of difficulties with language processing--usually reading and writing--and some math skills. If you are an adult who has dyslexia, it might be harder for you to gain the skills you need to be more effective in the workplace (and to reduce the frustration you might feel)...but, rest assured, there is help. But first you need dyslexia testing.
Instructions
1. *Are you facing serious difficulties at work? Do you have ample indication that you might be fired/ laid off?
People with learning disabilities, like dyslexia, can have trouble performing "simple" tasks at work. It is NOT because they are unintelligent. (Some of the most brilliant people have dyslexia. Please look under Additional Resources for examples of brilliant dyslexics.) However, employers need to have tasks performed accurately and in a timely manner. If it is frustrating for you that you cannot perform your job as well as the employer requires--and if you have good reason to believe that you might lose your job because your work is not up to par, you might be eligible for help from the state. The state has agencies that help people with learning disabilities.
2. *If you think your ability to be employed is being compromised by a learning disability like dyslexia, start by searching for resources provided by the state.*
You can find the appropriate agency on the internet by typing in keywords like these: (your state)-rehabilitation-vocational-counseling. When I type in these keywords, one of the links that comes up is "Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation". On their webpage, the services they offer and contact information will be displayed.
3. *Contact your state vocational rehabilitation agency to see if you qualify for help for dyslexia.*
The state will determine if you are qualified for help by looking at a variety of factors--your employment history (including how responsible you are in terms of promptness and attendance), your current state of employment, how you performed in school, and other aspects of your employment and personal history. It is possible that they will have lengthy phone conversations with you--as well as several in-person interviews--to determine if you qualify for help through the state agency. If you are accepted, you will directed to a variety of testing services, including dyslexia testing--if the rehabilitation counselors think learning disability testing is warranted.
4. *If you are not accepted by the state, consider private dyslexia testing*
Professionals who conduct dyslexia testing are usually psychologists or educators. Although they usually advertise for dyslexia testing for children, adults can be tested at most of these offices as well. One resource, The International Dyslexia Association, provides a listing of professionals who conduct dyslexia testing in your area. You will need to provide them with your contact information and they will get back with you (usually in a few days). This organization also provides helpful information about this learning disability--so check out their entire site while you are there. (Please find the link to IDA under Additional Resources.) If you do not find anyone listed where you live, contact psychologists who specialize in vocational counseling. If the people you contact cannot assist you, they might be able to direct you to someone who can.
5. *If you are an adult who is connected with a university--staff, student, professor--contact the career services office there*
Besides offering career guidance, career services offices at universities can also offer guidance about dyslexia testing. If they do not offer testing there, they can probably direct you to someone who does.
Tags: dyslexia testing, learning disability, Additional Resources, career services, conduct dyslexia, conduct dyslexia testing