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Subject: looking for competitive entry level work as a dyslexic

Author:
Tara

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Date Posted: 16:31:30 03/10/09 Tue

hi everyone,

It's very moving to read other peoples experiences, and I was wondering if someone might have some advice for me.

I am 27, I have my masters from NYU, and am looking for work in an international field (i.e. gov't or NGO).

That said, I was diagnosed in 1st grade (my father is also dyslexic). While I am a high functioning dyslexic, I am terrified of applying to jobs that require high levels of organization, and perfect language skills (my mother proof read everything I wrote in school). I am not a details oriented person who multi-task, which is what I feel most of these jobs are looking for at the entry level. I recently had a very bad experience with a job on account of my dyslexia, and I don't want to repeat my mistakes (by paying close attention, I'll catch my mistakes before they happen). I have a breath of knowlage and creative ideas, that I attribute to my dyslexia, but without these basic skills, I don't know how to market myself. I also can speak several languages (that I learn by sheer force of will), but of course, my written isn't so great.

When competing with a large pool of applicants who are as qualified as I am, and don't have this hinderence, how do I find entry level jobs that don't demand these basic skills?

Any thoughts, reactions, suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

Tara

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Replies:

[> Subject: Re: looking for competitive entry level work as a dyslexic

Author:
Virgnia (Ok)
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Date Posted: 08:14:26 03/16/09 Mon

HI

Read dlaxy in the working world. They have to provied you with the thngs you need, just like a hear inpair or blind. Dragan speacking is what I 'm getting for my intren the fall. You talk and it write for you. You Might have to get it check frist coulp of time.
My Anut poof reads my paper. I live in CT She live VT. I e mail her the paper and then we go over them and then she send them back. I'll be getting and Assheates in May 2010. and then UCONN I'll be going to BA. I have 5 kids. If you talk to me you would never know I have aspell proplem.
Good luck If I found any more INFO. I'll let you know alot web sites out the. Did you know Yale in New Haven dose reseach on this. I want to call and get more info on that. Have a good day Virginia

[> [> Subject: Re: looking for competitive entry level work as a dyslexic
Author: de [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 21:00:28 04/30/09 Thu

[> [> Subject: Re: looking for competitive entry level work as a dyslexic

Author:
Debra Brooks
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Date Posted: 21:10:12 04/30/09 Thu

I wish I could cheer you up and give you some words of wisdom, but I can't. I am 52 years old, have a Master's Degree in Social Work from Columbia University and worked my way up to a position that I loved working in health care. About a month ago I got laid off. I guess I could understand if they had just laid me off, but they blamed my "brain". They said I didn't have the right kind of brain to do the job. Of course this is illegal, I got an attorney and I'm getting the some money, but I want a job. I want to use my brain and my skills that I worked so hard to develop. Every day I wake up and think, today will be the day. I know things will get better,that's one thing we don't do, we never give up. It's not the dyslexic thing to do.

[> Subject:

Re: looking for competitive entry level work as a dyslexic

Author:
Leola Henry (Happy)
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Date Posted: 07:11:25 03/21/09 Sat

Hi

Here are a few things that have been working for me:

1. Natural Reader Software (turns written text to speech). And, a set of headphone so that you can listen to your memos, letter and report, privately. I work in a cubicle ��
2. Buy a good dictionary software (for around $20) that will pronounce your words for you. I personally use Merriam-Webster��s 11th Collegiate. You can use the free version by clicking the following link: http://www.mw.com
3. Note pad/journal always in hand to write everything down even if you can not spell the words correctly write it down like you think it should be spelled (with a little note like: sps) Just in case it look strange when you like back at your notes later.
4. Always take your time and do your best, please remember you are no longer in school and no one is watching over you. So, start developing your work one day then review the draft/changes the next day, I��m sure you will find a few things you can do better.
5. I personally have a problem with my memory (that sucks) so I try to get plenty of sleep, surround myself with positive people and writing/printing everything down/out. Even if I��m typing/work in front of my computer.
6. Start your day off (I recommend when you first wake-up) with a to-do-list. Try to focus on your list and completing all the task that you have listed. Modifying and updating that list needs to be routine, so make this a daily thing even for personal things.

I have several tricks. I first found-out I was dyslexic when I was in the 8th grade, 1983. But, back then they thought dyslexic people saw everything backwards. So, just recently with much pain and effort I have come to have a better understanding of coping with my condition. I have a lot of theories maybe one day I will write a book about it.

It was nice to hear that you learned a different language. I��m working on doing the same, with God��s help I feel pretty confident.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me back.

[> [> Subject: Re: looking for competitive entry level work as a dyslexic

Author:
Ofer (Never Ever Ever Give Up)
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Date Posted: 05:37:46 04/22/09 Wed

I am a 42-year old dyslexic, who has struggled throughout his career with TERRIBLE SPELLING. I am sorry to say that at least from my experience, workplaces have no real sympathy for dyslexics...
For a long time I understood what would assist me in my work environment. It took 10 years or so but finally with help from my friends we developed a writing assistant tool developed by dyslexics for dyslexics.
It includes:
- Identification of really poorly spelled words
- Context spell checking for (correctly spelled) out of context words
- Integrated Talk To Speech
- Integrated Dictionary

We just released a Microsoft Word plugin...
You can try it at: www.ghotit.com

[> Subject: Re: looking for competitive entry level work as a dyslexic

Author:
Sue
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Date Posted: 21:33:23 03/21/09 Sat

Hi Tara

I am 48 and, you guessed it, I have dyslexia. I just have to say that I can tell what a smart kid you are and that others will too. You will learn more and more tricks on how to keep yourself organised and your confidence will grow. Your going to do just great, just keep your chin up and remember that our brains just work differently and although it makes some things a little trickier, it makes us excell at others. You just need to find an employer that appreciates your talents. I know I would.

Best of luck

Sue

[> Subject: Re: looking for competitive entry level work as a dyslexic

Author:
Fred
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Date Posted: 15:02:17 03/23/09 Mon

Hello Tara; I to think that Dragon Speaking will help you alot with your writing and spelling of words. Just don't worry over what it types out, just finsh what you want to say and let the spelling check take care of your mistakes. Edit the whole thing after your done. I should talk, I have this dragon also, but I do not have your education so I feel I cannot do what you could do. If i had that paper on my side I could not be stopped in getting what I deserve. Feel free to go for it for you have accomplished more than many of us. I am proud of you and since I have heard your story I will try to again write my book that I have tried for so many years to do. Be free and keep trying you will succseed!

[> Subject: Re: looking for competitive entry level work as a dyslexic
Author: mary (interested) [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 21:54:17 08/27/09 Thu you are an adult,dyslexic and educated, how did your parents help you accomplish these successes? I am starting out with my son who is 8. Not only is he dyslexic, he has adhd. i feel worried and unsure about his future. how and what did your parents do for you to overcome obstacles?

[> Subject: Re: looking for competitive entry level work as a dyslexic
Author: Emily [ Edit \| View ]	Date Posted: 16:30:07 08/28/09 Fri Hi Tara - what are your degrees in? Exactly what area of nonprofits are you looking to get into? Emily