“I had trouble learning at school and did not understand why. I repeatedly failed my classes and in my grades. I was diagnosed with learning disabilities. I received three years of remedial tutoring outside of school prior to the eighth grade – nothing further was provided in the school’s system. This severely affected my grades, mental health, and the outcome of my economic and social development. I worked very hard and other times I just gave up.

After high school, I attended post-secondary education; learning became easier for me as an adult. I have used my various talents and found coping strategies. I had always kept my learning disability a secret. I felt shame and was told that I didn’t belong. After I requested help at school, it was then I understood that having a learning disability I didn’t need to keep it a shameful secret but rather as my privacy. Then it became apparent to me that I had the right to be accommodated at school and work. My career has been working with people with disabilities. Currently, I am employed for the last thirteen years as an advocate for adults with disabilities in their workplace and their benefits. I know that had there been help for me as a child, my path to success would have been different, even easier. I know many opportunities were not available to me because of my disability.”