Empowering Dyslexic Thinking at Work: Why?
Learner for Life: It took me a while to comprehend this expression and the significance of always being willing to learn something new. I struggled through my whole education, from kindergarten to college, terrified of taking a "course," and I didn't realize I was dyslexic until I was an adult. Taking a course invariably involves taking tests or quizzes. My strategy for writing sloppily in cursive was to spell the words close enough so that my teachers wouldn't have to figure out if I had omitted an "I." This fear still haunts me when I see the words; seriously, physically, I struggle with knowing that even a quiz or test might be given at the end of a course that I am taking willingly for my personal and professional development on LinkedIn Learning. Heck, if I fail, no one cares—no boss or teacher leaning over me to tell me I’m on academic suspension or I’ll need to repeat the course. Knowing and understanding my spelling and audio processing struggles allows me to find the tools to help me with my weaknesses. Disclaimer: I'm sure I'll make mistakes even with Grammarly, and these errors result from my dyslexia and being a human being.
“TAKE THIS COURSE; YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU DID!” Yes, I'm shouting it out loud. Designed by founder Kate Griggs of Made By Dyslexia, the course promotes awareness and education about employing and working with dyslexics. This organization significantly alters the world's perception of dyslexics by recognizing dyslexic thinking as an aptitude rather than a disability. Seriously, it’s true! Made by Dyslexia offers free educational classes on its website and has partnered with LinkedIn and Sir Richard Branson to add dyslexic thinking as a proper, recognized skill. The neurodiverse community (20% of the population) is just getting started when it comes to feeling heard and included at work, with the support of this course and people like you who receive this certificate.
Although I don't wear a sign on my forehead admitting that I'm dyslexic, I will let you know if we work together. If you are dyslexic, I encourage you to embrace it, take pride in it, and allow others to understand your strengths, talents, and weaknesses. They’ll be open to sharing theirs and offer accommodations with modified deadlines and resources. A cohesive and productive workplace will result from everyone taking the time to start this conversation. Dyslexia is not something that goes away; it does not disappear with age; instead, dyslexics learn to utilize tools from Microsoft 365, OneNote, and Grammarly to cope with common dyslexic challenges like reading and spelling. Compassion and empathy are what we need in our daily lives while communicating with others.
Dyslexic Facts: One in five people worldwide have dyslexia. 40% of entrepreneurs have dyslexia.
Resources: Made By Dyslexia official website: Made By Dyslexia: Redefining Dyslexia
The course “Empowering Dyslexic Thinking at Work”: LinkedIn Learning: Online Courses for Creative, Technology, Business Skills
Microsoft Support tips: Accessibility tools for neurodiversity - Microsoft Support
My favorite online tools are LinkedIn Learning, OneNote, Grammarly, and Calendly … What are yours?
#MadeByDyslexia #Dyslexic Thinking #Inclusion
