Resilient

Lochie would have to be the most resilient person I know.
After leaving school at 14, now 20, he has completed an apprenticeship, bought himself a brand new car, boat and caravan and is currently saving for his first home.  He is in year 2 of his second apprenticeship just to top it off.  Quite an achievement for a kid who can barely read.

He decided to start a Cert IV in Business.  Looking to the future, he wants to build houses as a qualified building, and also fit them out as a qualified cabinet maker.  I warned him there was a lot of work in Cert IV Business but he was determined.

The first few weeks went well.  He told me how he was first to know the answers, how he had the best ideas and was a bit of teachers pet.  Quite different from his earlier school years.  He was going so well that when the teacher asked him to read his business plan out to the class he tried to do it.  Dyslexic sometimes sneaks up on you and he wasn't able to read it.  He got words mixed up and was slow.  The class laughed at him.  He told them he was dyxlexic and their response was "we didnt know you were retarded". 

He came home in tears.  I asked why he read out aloud instead of just saying no.  His response broke my heart. 
"Mum, I forgot I was stupid".

Dyslexic kids struggle and when they grow up it doesnt become easier.   However, he went off the class the next week and has continued with it.





My Childrens book in Open Dyslexic font will help dyslexic kids enjoy reading and build their confidence.  Check out the link and I'm really interested in your feedback.

http://www.p101.com.au/dyslexiaenhanced.htm

Thanks

Dyslexic Friendly book

Many of you have been following my stories about Lochie.  I've also had many messages and emails asking when my book will be ready for release.  Spider and Bat IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRESALE!!

Spider and Bat is printed in Open Dyslexic font and is interesting enough to engage the intelligent dyslexic mind.  All Spider and Bat advententures have a personal development element.  As a qualified Youth Worker, I believe that all stories should encourge learning and discussion.

Lochie developed a strong fear, even hate of books when he was about 8.  To him, they were something all his friends could master, but he could not.   There are a few publishers now releasing novels in Open Dyslexic font which is fantastic, but I believe that a childrens book series can assist a dyslexic child before they become reluctant to read.

Spider and Bat is a flip book, meaning that reading from front to back it is in Open Dyslexic font.  Turn it to the back and read in normal text.  This means, if you have a dyslexic child, they can learn to read the Open Dyslexic font and you can read them the story in normal text.  Or, if you are a dyslexic parent, you can read to your child!

When Lochie read Spider and Bat for the first time, he looked up and said "This is amazing, the words dont move".  I just wish someone had developed something like this much earlier.

This book is the start of a series.  Available now for presale on http://www.p101.com.au/dyslexiaenhanced.htm.  In order for me to get these books printed and sent, I need to presell.

All of you that have encouraged me alog the way, this is now the time to support.  Please go check out the link.

Dyslexic Friendly Workplace

I run a call centre (along with lots of other things).
I had a lovely new girl start on Monday.  She had great phone manner, really polite and a fantastic voice.
One of my experienced staff came to see me about half an hour into her training and told me the  new girl was in tears in the bathroom.

 I asked what had happened and she told me that she wanted the script to be on the screen not on paper.  The experienced staff member told her that she had to have a paper script.  Thats when she started crying.

I called the new girl into  my office.  Got her some water and tissues.  She was sobbing.

"Tell me, what is it that is making you so upset?  I'm sure we can sort out whatever it is", I said.

"No, you cant", she said.  "I've worked in lots of call centres but I get fired from the ones that use paper scripts because I cant read off paper.  I can read ok on the screen but not off paper."

She then went on to describe how the words run together and move.
I said "Please stop worrying.  You could not have landed in a better workplace.  Are you dyslexic?"

Her head went down.  She nodded.

"I'm sure I can help."

I retyped her script in Open Dyslexic font and printed it on blue paper. As soon as she saw the new script, she said it was so much easier.   I bought a stand to angle the script at the right height and made sure there was no glare on the page.

AFter just a few days, she is now working without a script and speaking with such fantastic confidence that she is selling at a great rate.

I get sad when I think about all the places she has worked that could have easily helped with her dyslexia instead of just firing her.  It's not that hard.

OpenDyslexic font is available free of charge thank you so much to the amazing creater Abelardo Gonzalez.

http://opendyslexic.org/

Why dont you try it in your workplace on posters, induction forms etc and see if you find people might feel more comfortable.  You never know who may be dyslexic and struggling because they are often extremely good at hiding their problem with reading.

Less than Average Customer Service

Earlier today I was at my local Australia Post Office.  The man before me was called the the desk.  He had an application for a passport in his hand.
He passed it across the counter to the Customer Service Officer.
She glanced at it quickly and pushed it back to him.  "This isn't complete.  Finish it and bring it back".
"Oh," he said.  "I'm sorry I dont read that well and need a bit of help with it.  Could you please help me?"
The Customer Service Officer rolled her eyes.  "No, I'm not here to fill in forms all day.  Finish it and bring it back."
"But I dont understand question six.  Can you please read it to me?" he asked.
"Finish it and bring it back," she said again, already looking past him at me to come to be served.  I waited.
"I'm sorry and I'm not wanting to hold up the line, but I can't do it without help.  Could you please help me?" he begged looking very embarressed.  He was speaking in a very quiet voice and had his head down.
I was the only person in the line so I just quickly said "I'm fine don't worry", and smiled at the CSO.
"Sir, please move away.  I'm not here to help you.   Go finish the form and come back when its done," she said.

He looked around briefly the put his head down and hurried out to his car.  I didn't have  a chance to offer help but I felt so sorry for him.  He was obviously embarressed at not being able to read and understand the form.
 

People tend to judge others who cant read.  They do it much more openly than the would judge someone who couldn't walk, hear or talk.  It seems that discrimination against dyslexics is accepted.  This is totally sickening and needs to be changed.  The only way this will happen is by people learning more about dyslexics and dyslexic people sharing their stories.

Subscribe to my blog for stories about situations my son has been in and perhaps there are times that, by understanding a little bit more and being more mindful of people around us, that we can all make a bit of a difference.

If you can't see it, it doesn't exist

Writing that last post, I was reminded of another interesting Parent Teacher interview I had the displeasure of attending.
Lochie had been having trouble in English (as usual) and I wasn't expecting an uplifting interview.  I was further convinced it wasn't going to be positive when the teacher glared at Lochie before we even got to sit down.
"Well Lochie, I guess you can start explaining to your mother why you don't even try in Engligh", she leaned over the desk, still glaring.
Lochie looked at me and shrugged.
I looked back at the teacher who had shifted her glare to me.
"What is it exactly that Lochie doesn't try", I asked her.
"He REFUSES to read out aloud."   She sat back in her chair and folded her arms and glared even harder at Lochie.
I looked at Lochie, who looked at me and shrugged again.
"Are you aware that Lochie is dyslexic so reading is a problem for him?" I asked.
"Being obedient is a problem for him and yes I know about his apparent dyslexia" she snorted rolling her eyes. "Last week I asked him to stand up and read out aloud and he just said no.  When I told him he had to he just walked out of the class".
Loc had his head down.  I asked him to wait in line for the next teacher while I finish this one up.  I didnt want this woman to further embarress him.
I turned to her.  I believe my glare was ten times more intense than hers.
"Do you understand that Dyslexia is a disability and asking a dyslexic child to read out aloud is the equivalent of asking a person in a wheelchair to walk?  Lochie struggles to read and he does try and suffers a great deal of anxiety and depression over his problem."
 "All I know is that when Lochie has to read he comes up with all kinds of excuses.  I know about dyslexia but it seems that every kid who wants to get out of work is suddenly dyslexic", she shook her head.
"Lochie has been having tests since he was in grade one.  His file is thick and he has spent a lot of time with the welfare team talking about strategies to deal with his dyslexia.  There as a teaching plan in place.  He should never have been asked to read out aloud."  It was no use, she wouldn't listen. 

To many people, dyslexia is made up, or just an excuse.  To  a dyslexic person, it is an incredible frustration to have a high intelligence and low ability to read  at the level of other people.  Lochie is highly social and very popular.  Getting made to stand in front of a class and be made to look a fool because he couldn't read was more than he could bare so he walked out.

I sincerely wish the people would understand and learn more about this issue.  Teachers especially need to be more supportive and understanding.  I do know that it would be very difficult to have a dyslexia child in the class, that would need extra attention, different work, different methods of assessment.  But, if you think about the impact that having your self esteem totally shattered and how long that takes to rebuild; the impact that being understood can have on a persons sense of value; wouldn't it be worth it?

 

Parent Teacher Interview

Standing in the huge school hall filled with rows and rows of desks my mind flashed back to the days of high school exams.  Today, however, was not about exams.  It was about something that made me more nervous than any VCE student.  Year 7 Parent Teacher interviews.

My stomach churned as I looked around for the teachers who had "requested" interviews with me to discuss Lochie's education.  I lined up at Mr Barlow, the woodwork teacher, first.  Lochie was so good with his hands that surely this would be a positive one to start with.
I watched Mr Barlows current interview.  Mr Barlow, parent and child were all looking relaxed and smiling a lot.  Perhaps this might be an ok interview.  Mr Barlow might be really nice.
"Thank you so much for coming", smiled Mr Barlow as he shook the hand of the smiling parent and ruffled the hair of the cheerful little boy as they bounced off to see the next teacher.
He beconed for me to come and sit.  I looked around anxiously for Lochie.  He seemed to have disappeared.  Surprise, thats not unusual for Lochie.  Always distracted.
"Come, come", called the teacher again.  I sat on the hard chair, and glanced around again for Lochie. 
"So, and who's parent are you", he asked smiling.
"Lachlan Montgomery, 7S", I smiled back.  I caught a glimpse of Lochie out of the corner of my eye and started waving.  He didn't see me.
I looked back to Mr Barlow.  He was no longer smiling.
"Hmmm", he said.  "Lochie, is often somewhat distracted in class.  He is failing woodwork."
My heart sank.  Surely Lochie would be doing ok in a class like this.
"Seriously?", I asked.
"Yes.  He seems unable to follow instructions.  There is nothing wrong with the quality of work he achieves, but, he doesn't follow the process that is written out and therefore makes errors."
Oh no, it seems that even a woodwork class relys on written instructions. Don't teachers ever teach anymore?

"I see.  Did you realise that Lochie is dyslexic and the written instructions would cause a problem for him?  It is clearly noted in his file." I explained.
"I didn't know but I don't care." Mr Barlow was clear.  He had no intention of arguing the point.  To him, Lochie wasn't easy.  He was too creative, too quick and did things before he had been shown.  A problem in the class.
Result: Fail for woodwork

I was really disappointed, and surprised.  Lochie explained later how woodwork class was conducted.  Students came in and were handed a sheet of instructions.  The teacher showed the finished product and explained what tools would be required along with strict safety guidelines.  Students then had to follow the instructions and produce identical pencil boxes, model airplanes etc.  Lochie said that it was true that he rarely read the instructions and simply looked at the finished product and made it.  He said his was usually better adding in things like rounded corners, shaped feet or extra hinges.
I sighed.  How can you win that battle.  He produced a great product but didnt fit into the box the teacher needed him to.
If I were a teacher and had a student that had a talent for woodwork and was failing every other class (except physical education), I would put in efforts to engage with him and expand his talents.  If the whole education system is aimed at engaging students in school until they are 17, how can teachers not attempt to engage using a students talent just because it takes a little extra effort.

A class that should have been enjoyable and an escape from the constant pressure to read, failed to provide that environment.

Instead, it joined the long list of things that school did to destry Lochie's self esteem and happiness. 

What will I be when I grow up

Trent, Lochie and Haydn were discussing careers. Trent has been many things but is now settled as a Protective Services Officer and really enjoying it.  Haydn, also, has a had a few different careers but has recently applied as a PSO as well.  Lochie, hasn't really changed.  He started his apprenticeship when he was 16 and at 20, is nearly qualified as a cabinet maker.  Not satisfied with that, he is now starting a carpentry apprenticeship. 

Lochie was saying that while he enjoys working with wood, he would really perfer to be an osteopath.  He watches many shows and studies on the internet about the human body, muscles, health etc.  He was asked why he didnt return to study.

"No way," he said, "I'm too stupid". 

Its amazing that the most intelligent person in the room, is also the person who thinks of himself as stupid. 

He remembers things better than anyone I've ever met.  His ability to find solutions to problems is also outstanding. 

Perhaps if Lochie's school experince had been different.  If teachers had understood his learning problems and given support instead of calling him lazy, he may not see himself as stupid.  He may see the value in his incredible brain and feel that he is gifted rather than disabled. 

Please give dyslexic people a chance.   Don't judge people on reading ability only.  Intelligence is often hidden.

Battle continues

I sent a letter to explain the situation with Lochies condition and why the ticket was not purchased for the train.

My son, Lachlan Montgomery, has been issued the above infringement notice for travelling without a valid ticket. 

Lachlan is dyslexic and does not use public transport.  On the day in question, Lachlan lost his car keys and had to get a train home.  He is unable to read the instructions to purchase the new metcard from the machine.   As a 19 year old with a disability, he felt embarrassed to ask for help to buy a ticket from the ticket machine.  As the station was unmanned, he could not purchase a ticket through the station either. 

Lachlan took the train to Dandenong, got off the train and went to purchase a ticket before he continued he journey home to Beaconsfield.  He was on his way to purchase a ticket when he was questioned by the ticket inspector.  He explained that he cannot read or understand the instructions on the ticket machine and was on his way to the line to purchase a ticket, but the ticket inspector issued him a ticket anyway. 

I understand that Ticket Inspectors hear many stories each day and most are not valid.  Lachlan has an actual disability and until he began working, I was paid a disability carer allowance from Centrelink to assist him with day to day activities.  In general, Lochie functions quite well, but, in a situation where you need to read, he is unable to cope and this is what has happened in this instance. If you could look at the amount of reading on those new ticket machines and think for one minute how someone would feel if they couldn’t read at all, I’m sure you will comprehend his anxiety in this situation.  If I could have foreseen any circumstance that Lochie would have needed a metcard, I would have bought him one for emergencies, which I have now.

I’m asking for this infringement to be waived due to Lochies disability and the fact that we have now put a strategy in place for any future emergencies. 

If the infringement is not waived, I request having this offence heard and determined in court. 

Regards,

Tracy Montgomery

0425748459

The response I received was a return letter stating that I would need a GP (doctor) to write a letter to show that Lochie was in fact, suffering from Dyslexia.  

Really?  A Doctor can now diagnose dyslexia?  Insanity.  

Of course no doctor could provide that kind of letter.

I responded with another letter stating that dyslexia was not something that a doctor could diagnose.  I requested a court date where I could state my case and Lochie would have a chance to explain his situation to a Judge. 

Next letter, Infringement waived.  

Yay, it's not often I get a win but I did today for Lochie.  

I sincerely wish that government organisations had a bit more understanding of certain disabilies including dyslexia.

Do you have a story of having to prove dyslexia?  Please share in the comments or email me directly at tracy@nutsup.com.au.

As easy as public transport...NOT

Lochie struggles to read at the best of times.  When he is stressed or suffering anxiety, it becomes twice as hard to concentrate at the level he needs to be able to understand the written word.

Melbourne has undergone a change to its ticketing system for its extensive public transport networks. As Lochie has not needed to use public transport since he got his licence two years ago, he paid little attention.

After working onsite all day installing a new reception desk, Lochie returned to the workshop.  Ready to leave at the end of a 14 hour day, he looked for his backpack to get his car keys.  Rolling his eyes at his stupidity, he realise he had left it onsite and it would now be too late to get back to pick it up.  The trains run fairly close to his work so he headed to the station.
When he got to the station, it was very busy.  He looked at the new ticketing machine and gazed up at the lengthy instructions.  He looked down at the words scrolling quickly across the monitor on the ticketing machine.  Busy people were pushing past him, pressing buttons and retreiving their tickets.  It didnt look to hard.  He fronted up to the machine.  Pressed a few buttons that looked like they might be right.  "PLEASE INSERT $70" scrolled across the monitor.

Lochie decided he would run the 1.5 km to the milkbar and purchase a ticket from there instead.
The man at the milkbar shook his head.
"No mate, we can't sell the new tickets", he said.
Damn, thought Loc.  He ran back to the station.  There was no staff at the station so he decided to get on the train and and get off at Dandenong, which he knew was manned and he would be able to get assistance to purchase a ticket.  After he got his ticket, he would get back on another train and continue on home.  What a long day.  He had left home at 5am and it was now 7.30pm.

Lochie got off the train at Dandenong and walked to join the queue to purchase tickets.  The ticket inspector approached him.


"Do you have a valid ticket?" he asked.
"No I don't", answered Lochie.  "Thats why I'm in the line to buy one".
Lochie explained the full story about how he couldn't work out the ticket machine and how he could have simply stayed on the train without a ticket and continued on home but he wanted to do whats right.
"Ok," said the Inspector, "Here's a ticket for you".  He handed Lochie a fine for $295.

Loc got back on the train.  He wasn't angry at the Inspector, he was angry with himself.  Couldnt believe he was too stupid to buy a train ticket.  Something that school kids manage to do every day.

He arrived home at 9pm.  16 hours since he had left home to go to work.  Tired, stressed, upset and exhausted.
I was furious at the lack of understanding from the ticket inspector, but Lochie just kept saying it was his fault for being stupid.

I've contested the ticket.  I will post a copy of the letter I wrote and lets see how I go.

If you have any similar stories about issues dyslexia causes for you please comment and share your story.

Dyslexia in workplace

So much of the world revolves around reading.  People who have no trouble reading, don't even notice it.  A flyer on the wall of the post office, political brochures, newspapers, instructions, menu's...the list is endless. 
One thing I hadn't thought of before was all the paperwork when you start a new job.
As much as starting a job can be daunting for anybody, imagine sitting down to read and sign all the policies, OHS documents and tax forms that come with starting a new position.

For many jobs, dyslexia isn't a problem, in fact, the skills and thought processes of a dyslexic person can be a huge asset for many organisations.  And yet, in the formal induction or training, we still sit people down with paperwork. 

Companies who hire apprentices for trades frustrate me the most.  Many kids excel at trades and working with their hands, but don't do well at school.  Whether they are dyslexic or just have learning difficulties is irrelevant.  Still, those companies simply sit those kids in front of a computer to do an online induction or hand them booklets of policy and OHS documents and tell them to read, complete and sign. 

Imagine for a moment that you are a 16 year old boy, who has always struggled to read.  You are lucky enough to get an apprenticeship and you turn up for you first day, already nervous.  Your boss walks in and hands you a large document, plus a tax form and says "get this read and signed before you can start". 
You look at the document.   It looks very important and formal.  A contract.  The words are long and you can't read them.  The more you look the harder it gets to understand them.  You feel your stomach in knots and your breathing becomes shallow.  Your head starts to pound and you begin to wonder if you are going to be able to do this job at all if you can't even do the first thing they ask of you.  Your mind begins to think of just taking off out the door and never coming back.   Fear is a terrible thing. 
Just then, your boss walks back in.  "Geez, that should have only taken a minute, what they hell have you been doing?".  
You hurridly sign the documents and hand them over.   You look out into the workshop, already feeling that you don't fit here.  Too stupid. 

Organisations need to think about having appropriate induction processes which build confidence, not destroy it.  Motivate and encourage rather than scare.   People who are motivated to do well, achieve more than people who are scared to do poorly. 

Consider learning styles when designing induction programs. Just because someone has a problem with reading, doens't reflect on their intelligence.  Often people with reading difficulties are more resilient, dedicated and motivated than others that everything comes easy to.