Thank you, Dyslexia Scotland

These members got in touch to say thanks for an intervention that led to better outcomes in school

My support from Dyslexia Scotland

by Lucy Waugh

Dyslexia Scotland has been a great aid in improving and providing me with specialist help throughout my developmental stages in primary and high school. The support is open and without judgment for myself and my family, making it an easy and valuable service to not just me but everyone with dyslexia and dyslexic loved ones.

Dyslexia Scotland supported me and my mother in learning about the condition beyond the surface level. As an organisation, it recognises the complexities often missed by non-specialist groups who may view dyslexia as just difficulty with reading and writing. Dyslexia has a wide effect on a person’s language, functioning, and processing skills. Dyslexia Scotland also helped me and my mother to ask for appropriate adjustments for school exams and assessments, allowing me to use ICT in written exams and having extra time, which greatly improved my performance, but also my confidence in my ability. After this summer, I will be attending university and continuing to access these adjustments thanks to Dyslexia Scotland.

I also received free tutoring from Dyslexia Scotland through their Sean Connery Tutor Bursary Fund (now closed) to aid in my Maths National Five course, which helped me to pass. The tuition was tailored to fit my needs, not a one-size-fits-all solution. This empowered me to reach my potential thanks to the time and care put into the person-centred help provided. Dyslexia Scotland also allowed me to take part in opportunities where I could meet other people with dyslexia and hear about their experiences, attend workshops on the use of ICT and talks from dyslexia specialists.

Overall, the help and support I’ve received from Dyslexia Scotland has been priceless as it has empowered me to reach out for support for my dyslexia, improving my academic life but also my day-to-day life, helping me tailor my life and situation to be as dyslexia friendly as possible, rather than fighting against it or trying to fit myself into a box or system that was not made for me.

Helpline thanks

I wanted to give some feedback on the call that I had this week. After a very stressful week trying to juggle everything and navigate school and learning, I had a call with Sharon, my first to the Helpline. What a service this is! We had a chat where I was able to give context, talk through experiences as a worried mum. Sharon listened with an empathetic ear and gave the most useful information straight to my email. I feel more in control and better able to advocate for my wee boy. Thank you so much – what you do makes such a difference.