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Dyslexia at the Workplace

The following is a quote from a person who is dyslexic about his struggles with dyslexia in the workplace.
He had some advice for people with dyslexia as well. Some parts have been edited for clarity:

 "A huge problem I face in the workplace is communication and pronunciation. My boss has a way of saying things or pronouncing things which make me question what he says and what I'm supposed to be doing. On top of that, my dyslexia makes reading any documents or papers at work hard; it slows me down because I have to take my time. That is even though I have many computer programs at hand to help me read and do the paperwork to accomplish all of the goals.
             To overcome some of my difficulties, I have to ask my boss to repeat what he says or I have to re-read the documents I was given, re-read what I have written and what I read to prepare reports and other documents. Which takes more time, but I have to do it in order to make sure they are no mistakes or misunderstandings.
            The advice I would give to other dyslexics is to make sure, (if your boss pronounces things differently), that he e-mails it to you or texts it to you to make sure you can understand what he wants and help decode what people are saying. When it comes to a leadership position make sure you double check everything you have written and have read because you want to prove that you are doing it correctly at all times. Errors can throw you back, but double checking your work especially your writing to make sure that everything is there and if there was an error, you can spot it in the first place is the best thing to ensure success."

 Our contributor says: Dyslexia may make some communication skills difficult, but it can also be a gift. 
There are many famous people and entrepreneurs who are dyslexics. So Don't let dyslexia stop you at work or in life. 

Yes, dyslexia can be a constant struggle so here are a few more tips to help you survive work: 
  • Stay organized by mapping out a daily plan. 
  • Write down a to-do list and deadlines to keep track of daily tasks. 
  • Write down meetings and conference calls as soon as they are scheduled. 
  • If you don't already have it, text-to-speech software will be a lifesaver when writing reports and emails. 
  • Keep your desk and/or workspace organized. 
  • Organize it in a way that fits you. Dyslexics think differently so how you organize can be different too as long as you understand your method.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help or accommodations you need.

    You have a choice about when or if you disclose your dyslexia. You can disclose upon hiring or you can wait until you feel you need to ask for an accommodation. Your employer must provide reasonable accommodations to you so you can do your job.  It's important that when you disclose and ask for accommodations, you know what kinds of accommodations you will need. For example, if you have trouble doing inventory because reading labels can be difficult, a reading pen will help. The same thing goes when asking for computer programs that will help you in your job. 

There are a number of devices and strategies that alleviates some of the struggles you go through at work each day. Reports or agendas printed on colored paper make it easier for you to read. Your work computer can have (text- inventory o-speech or other accommodations you may need. When co-workers see the bosses providing the accommodations and letting you use those accommodations to do your job, it will give them insight as to why you work the way you do. Which is important especially if you have been harassed at work and called stupid or dumb because of your slow reading or minor mistakes you make.  Using these devices or systems will help you dispel the misconceptions people have about people with dyslexia and you can use the opportunity to educate them.  

 REMEMBER: Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence so don't think you can't succeed. 

 If there is any other advice you would like to give follow dyslexics on how you get through work please comment below!





Information from this article was taken from these websites:
https://www.cashlady.com/news/neurodiversity-different-folks-need-different-strokes/
https://www.smartbrief.com/original/2018/11/4-ways-lead-dyslexia-initiative
http://www.evenbreak.co.uk/blog/admin-support-tips-for-dyslexic-employees/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/denisebrodey/2018/07/10/what-does-a-diverse-workforce-really-look-like-you-may-be-surprised/#168f4b293e16
http://www.evenbreak.co.uk/blog/admin-support-tips-for-dyslexic-employees/

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