Voices of Dyslexia

What is Voices of Dyslexia?

The Voices of Dyslexia project was set up to help and inspire parents, teachers and educators. It’s a chance to hear the stories of others, and find out what has worked for them. We can easily read about dyslexia but hearing from real experience is so helpful. Sometimes we only hear from amazing scientists, creatives and entrepreneurs with dyslexia – who have incredible gifts and talents. But equally inspiring are the stories of real joys and struggles from everyday people living and working with dyslexia. And I want to hear and share yours!

The stories gathered in the Voices of Dyslexia project will form the backbone of my next book, All About Dyslexia, published by Speechmark, which will be part of a series of books called “All About SEND”.

And once you’ve done, please share this widely with others – the more stories, the better!

It’s really easy – all you have to do is click on one of the links below… Please don’t worry about perfection – but you can re-record as many times as you like

I'm a student (under 18s)

I'm a parent

I'm a teacher

I'm an adult (18+)

It helps when I practise it a lot in class and go over it again and again.

Sometimes I get mixed up when I have learned something but need to learn something new which is similar but different. I get really muddled.

It’s easier showing than telling.

When I was asked to read a long text aloud in class once, I felt ridiculed, and I have hated reading ever since.

I would really like my teachers to know that I find it very hard when they go too quickly. Then I get frustrated and angry because I can't keep up.

I can remember things that have happened as long as four years ago, but in class I find it really hard to remember what's been said and to hold things in my head.

I would like to be asked for my ideas more in class, because I learn best when I can talk things through.

Now I know I am dyslexic I know I am clever which is something I didn’t think I was before.

I get distracted quite easily in the classroom, so I forget things. Sometimes I can't read quickly, and there are too many things to do at once.

Sometimes I just need time to think about things.

I'd like teachers to send me slides after the lessons so I can look back at things I missed.

I know when I need a break in class because my head becomes “super hot”. At these times it helps me to go to the toilet and wash his face.

My biggest problem in school is staying focused.

Lindsay’s Story as a teacher

Lindsay’s Story as a parent

Tell your story

I'm a student (under 18s)

I'm a parent

I'm a teacher

I'm an adult (18+)

I would like to collect as many stories as I can in preparation for my forthcoming book so please feel free to share this link to anyone you know who might be willing to share their story.

Information for children and young people to tell your story

Have a read of the questions below and then fill out the parent consent form. On completion of the consent you will be directed to StoryPrompt to record your story.

Here are the questions I’ll be asking you:

Tell me about yourself?
Do you have dyslexia? What does this mean? Do you have any strengths?
What has helped you?
Is there anything you would like adults to know about how to support children with dyslexia?

Parent consent form

Here’s Lorna’s story as an example

Information for parents of children with dyslexia to give your account

Have a read of the questions below and then click the button which will direct you to StoryPrompt to record your story. Don’t worry about perfection – the point of this is real stories from real people! But if you want to, you can re-record your answers as many times as you like.

Here are the questions I’ll be asking you:

Tell me a bit about your child,
Tell me about your experience of having a child with dyslexia. What’s helped/hindered? Any strengths?
What would you want other teachers and parents to know so they can help children & young people with dyslexia?

Tell me your story

Information for teachers to tell me your story…

Here are the questions I’ll be asking you:

Tell me about your role, age group, experience etc
Tell me about how well equipped you felt by your initial and ongoing training – how well equipped do you feel now to teach children with dyslexia?
What has helped/hindered? What would you want other teachers to know?
What difference (if any) does knowing a child has dyslexia make to your teaching/strategies?

Tell me your story

Information for young adults (18+) to tell me your story…

Questions you’ll be asked:

You’ll be asked to say what your experience was like, when you were diagnosed, what helped/hindered, what strengths you have, what you find particularly hard, any advice to teachers and parents now. Anything you feel is relevant!

Tell me your story

Voices of Dyslexia