Dyslexia: Positively Unique!

Dyslexia Awareness Week 2015: Day 6

Saturday 10th October 2015.

Hello and welcome the 6th day of introducing seven of my 2015 fabulous dyslexics!

Each dyslexia awareness week (starting last year) I intend to feature 7 of my favourite inspirational dyslexics from the past year: I ask them a set of questions (slightly adjusted depending on age and occupation) to which they provide the answers. My aim? Well it simply to inspire and raise awareness about us dyslexics and about dyslexia!

So with no further ado, allow me allow to introducing my sixth local inspirational dyslexic: this inspirational young lady used to be a Dyslexia information Day Young Volunteer, she inspired & offered help and advice to lots of youngsters. She is someone who is truly filled with passion, determination and heaps of talent! She is local to Shropshire and I know I am not being too biased saying we will see her name up in lights in the future!

Amelie Edwards
Positively Unique!           Photograph by John Clark

Name: Amelie Edwards

Age (optional): 25

Job: Actress

Stage Name: Amelie Edwards

A brief description of what your role as an actress entails: I work as an actress, and also work as a *Dramaturg and Textual Consultant for theatre companies including Boireannach and The National Youth Theatre.

Location: Area you live/your business is based: I’m currently based in London, but grew up in Shropshire and still visit regularly (I miss the fields)

When did you find out you were dyslexic?: Although I suspected for a long time that I may be dyslexic, I wasn’t actually diagnosed until I was 18!

How did you feel when you found out you were dyslexic?: I was in many ways relieved. I had spent a lot of time worrying that I was just lacking in brain cells and that the test would simply reveal that I “Just wasn’t trying hard enough” as my teachers had always informed me.

What difference has it made, if any, to your life since finding out you are dyslexic?: When I first found out I was definitely dyslexic I didn’t really know what kind of difference it would make. I assumed it would just be helpful for exams and proof reading when I went to university. But now that I work in an industry where I am often asked to sight read it has made a huge difference. I know that I need to ask for scripts in advance so that I can learn them to prevent me from tripping over lines in auditions, so that I can actually act rather than just focusing on reading. That also means that I’ve developed strategies to learn lines quickly, so that when work does come along, I can be off book very early in the rehearsal stages and get properly stuck in. I’m lucky that I work in an industry where there are lots of other dyslexic people, so we can swap hints and tips, and give each other knowing nods when a particularly awkward collection of words appears in a script. But I think the biggest difference is that I am now better aware of myself. I know my strengths and weaknesses and surprisingly, I’m beginning to think that being dyslexic may come bundled up with more strengths than anything else!

*A dramaturge or dramaturg is a professional position within a theatre or opera company that deals mainly with research and development of plays or operas.

Dyslexia: Positively Unique!

Dyslexia Awareness Week 2015: Day 5

Friday 9th October 2015:

Hello again or for the first time, welcome to my 5th day of introducing you to seven of my 2015 fabulous dyslexics!

Each dyslexia awareness week (starting last year) I intend to feature 7 of my favourite inspirational dyslexics from the past year: I ask them a set of questions (slightly adjusted depending on age and occupation) to which they provide the answers. My aim? Well it simply to inspire and raise awareness about us dyslexics and about dyslexia!

And so today brings me to my fifth local inspirational dyslexic: again my chosen person is full of talent, passion and is vocal in the face of injustice! It is my pleasure to introduce to you ….

Ian Reynolds Positively Unique!

Name: Ian Reynolds

Age (optional): 42

Business name:
Ian reynolds photography: wedding photography
i4images: commercial and press photography
Retouch and scan: image retouching/manipulation and film scanning

A brief description of your businesses: as above

Location: West Wolverhampton

When did you find out you were dyslexic?: Suspected at 19 not tested until 23 and then again at 24.

How did you feel when you found out you were dyslexic?: I felt very let down by the education system. But determined to learn and work through it, which I am still doing. I set myself some long term goals to achieve and completed them successfully but took my time about it, as I became to realise, it’s not possible to work at the pace of a non dyslexic person.

What difference has it made, if any, to your life since you found out you are dyslexic?: I have found over time to accept my shortfalls and try and work to my strengths, occasionally some perceive this as rube or lack of interest, I try to explain my shortfalls, if they are not interested, I do not waste time trying to convince those who are not willing to accept those shortfalls, it’s a waste of time and energy.
I find it almost impossible to fill in application forms or make a cv, getting help with access to work is the start of a long path to help correct these problems.
I have applied for jobs in the past and have no problem in saying I am dyslexic, I am also in the process of finding out if I have mild Asperger’s as well. I have most probably been discriminated against for mentioning these issues in application forms. But I again I apply the logic by natural selection, those not willing to accept these issues are probably going to be a headache anyway.

What advice would you offer to other dyslexics?: Things take longer, accept it, explore what your good at and work slowly at those areas you are not. You will make lots of mistakes, and you will fail, this is normal and very frustrating but try and learn from them and take things forwards.
If you find something hard leave it and come back to it later, when you’re mentally ready to deal with it, despite what others might say !!, or whether its convenient or not. That is not an excuse to become complacent or lazy, it’s just learning to manage how our mind works and does not work and when it’s at its best for certain tasks, this takes time but it will slot into place eventually.

What do you do to relax/hobbies?: I always to try to exercise it keeps the mind fresh, and helps with stress
At the moment, swimming and walking, due to family commitments I don’t have the time for other activates although I did practice taekwondo for 12 years, something I found invaluable and helped with dyslexic learning and confidence building.

Your website & business contact details:
www.ianreynoldsphotography.co.uk
www.i4images.com
www.retouchandscan.co.uk

Why not follow Ian on Twitter! @i4images

Anything you want to add?: Discovering you are dyslexia at any stage in life can be quite difficult to deal with and people often don’t understand, as it’s not physical but does affect everyday life. You will have skills others do not, embrace those and try not to dwell on those you do not. It will take time and you may well feel aggrieved for a considerable amount of time. Its all part of life’s journey so enjoy it as a new door opening rather than all the doors closing, and step into a new world that suits you and embrace it.

Dyslexia: Positively Unique!

Dyslexia Awareness Week 2015: Day 4
Thursday 8th October 2015.

Allow me to introduce to you to the third of my seven, 2015 fabulous dyslexics!
Each dyslexia awareness week (starting last year) I intend to feature 7 of my favourite inspirational dyslexics from the past year: I ask them a set of questions (slightly adjusted depending on age and occupation) to which they provide the answers. My aim? Well it simply to inspire and raise awareness about us dyslexics and about dyslexia!

My fourth local inspirational dyslexic is full of talent, passion and determination! and in all honesty since meeting her just over a year ago (and I’m quite sure she doesn’t realise this) that she is truly inspires me, when i think of this lady I always smile and in a exceptionally good way I am filled with calm, hope and a belief! – Thank you Lindy!

Lindy Smith
Positivly Unique!

Name: Lindy Smith

Age (optional): 51

Business name: Lindy’s Cakes Ltd

A brief description of what you/your business do/does: I am a highly creative multi-award winning cake designer. I am also a best-selling international cake decorating author, with my much anticipated fifteenth book ‘Simply Modern Wedding Cakes’ being published next spring. I have over 24 years experience within the sugarcraft industry. My passion is for design and colour which I love to share with my students and readers from around the world. My company, supplies, via it’s online shop, quality cake decorating products including my own ranges of sugarcraft cutters, cookie cutters and cake decorating stencils. My latest venture is launching myself back into the world of luxury wedding cakes, which is incredibly exciting.

Location: In the beautiful South Shropshire Hills

When did you find out you were dyslexic?: When I was growing up the word dyslexia wasn’t used as it is today. I knew that I wasn’t like other children, I found it incredibly difficult to learn to read and spelling was impossible!! At junior school I was tested and given extra help but it wasn’t until I was older that the word dyslexia was mentioned by one of my maths teachers. At the time I was extremely good at maths but my teacher, in front of the whole class, wanted to know if I still had dyslexia!!! Of course I had dyslexia, I just didn’t know the word!

How did you feel when you found out you were dyslexic?: Not at all surprised!

What difference has it made, if any, to your life since you found out you are dyslexic?: Despite all the struggles that go with being dyslexic and there are many, I see having dyslexia as a huge bonus, it’s what makes me different, what makes me stand out from the crowd, it is why I can think outside the box and have so many creative ideas. My brain doesn’t work in the same way as others, so I often have the competitive advantage. Dyslexia has made me who and what I am.

What advice would you offer to other dyslexics?: Embrace dyslexia, it makes you special. Play to all your strengths and use it to your advantage. For the tasks you find difficult or dread, ask for help or find alternative ways and remember dyslexia is nothing to do with intelligence.

What do you do to relax/hobbies?: I have a gorgeous golden retriever whom I walk everyday. I love my garden and find it the perfect way to switch off and relax. I like to read good books curled up by my log burner and ever since I was young I’ve been interested in photography.

Your website & business contact details:
www.lindyscakes.co.uk

Anything you want to add?: Dyslexia runs in my family, my mother and grandmother, although never tested, are/were dyslexic and my son was found to be dyslexic when he was 16. It has made a huge difference to him, he’s been given computer hardware and software to help, and most importantly, extra time in his exams. He’s currently in his third year of uni doing Chemical engineering – I’m a proud mum!

Dyslexia: Positively Unique!

Dyslexia Awareness Week 2015: Day 3
Allow me to introduce to you to the third of my seven, 2015 fabulous dyslexics!

Wednesday 7th October 2015

Each dyslexia awareness week (starting last year) I intend to feature 7 of my favourite inspirational dyslexics form the past year: I ask them a set of questions (slightly adjusted depending on age and occupation) to which they provide the answers. My aim is that they inspire you and give you some insight into the world of dyslexics and dyslexia!

The third of my lovely local inspirational dyslexics is a gentleman who is determind, passionate, filled with empathy, understanding and a determination to break down barriers and make the world a better place:

Ben Deakin
CEO Enabling Solutions Stafford

Name: Ben Deakin
Age: (optional): 34
Business name: Enabling Solutions Stafford

A brief description of what you/your business do/does:
Enabling Solutions has over 20 years combined experience working with small start-up’s right through to Global PLC’s.
We remove all the complexities from day to day IT hang-ups, eliminate the need for data duplication and give companies a single version of the truth. Encompassing an entire organisation from CRM and accounting right through to project planning, marketing, stock control, warehousing, ecommerce and customer support. This unifies businesses providing a real-time 360 degree view that is accessible from anywhere.
This results in companies streamlining their processes, reducing their costs and increasing their profits.

Location: Stafford

When did you find out you were dyslexic?: Last term of high school

How did you feel when you found out you were dyslexic?: To be honest I’m not thick – which was the perception at the time.

What difference has it made, if any, to your life /business since you found out you are dyslexic?:
I had help and support at university, however in the real world you need to learn coping strategies so you don’t end up in a dead end job frustrated!

What advice would you offer to other dyslexics? You’re not thick! You just see the world and approach problems differently, play to your strengths and try and work alongside people who complement your skill set and more importantly – they fill the gaps!

What do you do to relax/hobbies?: I’ve recently taken up whittling, however if you look at my thumbs you’d be forgiven for thinking does he ever hit the wood 😉 – I also enjoy bush craft and wild camping, swimming and riding my bike.

Your website & business contact details: www.enablingsolutions.org
Britannia House, 6/7 Eastgate Street, Stafford, Staffs, ST16 2NQ

Anything you want to add?: Coffee black and a slice of cake please – seriously; when Eli originally contacted me all those years ago to explain to me her vision for helping out fellow dyslexics I almost bit her hand off to help. Here we are many years later and I am more than happy to help her out anyway I can.

The picture below shows the crowd of people around Ben’s Stand at the 2nd Dyslexia information Day, it was like that all day!

Ben’s Stand at the 2nd Dyslexia information Day

Dyslexia: Positively Unique!

Dyslexia Awareness Week 2015: Day 2

Tuesday 6th October 2015.

Allow me to introduce to you the second of my seven, 2015 fabulous dyslexics!
Each dyslexia awareness week (starting last year) I intend to feature 7 of my favourite inspirational dyslexics form the past year: I ask them a set of questions (slightly adjusted depending on age and occupation) to which they provide the answers.

I hope you find their answers as interesting and enjoyable and that they inspire you as they have me!

My day 2 Positively Unique local dyslexic is a fabulous young lady who has an abundance of talent: she is also a Dyslexia information Day Young Volunteer, and is never short of a smile or a creative idea, she is an absolute delight!

Elizabeth at Dyslexia information day 13

Name: Elizabeth

Age: 12

Occupation: Student

What would you like to be when you grow up? : Textile and Art Teacher

When did you find out you were dyslexic? : Age aprox. 7

How did you feel when you found out you were dyslexic? : I think I was shocked but then it all made sense why I had been struggling at school.

What difference has it made, if any, to your life since you found out? : Learning has been easier since I’ve had support, and I feel more confident.

What advice would you offer to other dyslexics? : Work hard and persevere and you will get to where you want to be in the end.

What do you do to relax/what are your hobbies? : I love doing art, making things, watching films, swimming, badminton – but not reading books!

Anything you want to add? : I quite like being different from everybody else! 🙂

Dyslexia: Postively Unique!

Dyslexia Awareness Week 2015: Day 1

Monday 5th October 2015

Allow me to introduce to you the first of my seven, 2015 fabulous dyslexics!
Each dyslexia awareness week (starting last year) I intend to feature 7 of my favourite inspirational dyslexics form the past year: I ask them a set of questions (slightly adjusted depending on age and occupation) to which they provide the answers. The aim of this is that i hope you find their answers as enjoyable as i did and that you are inspired!
This year I am starting with a lovely local lady whom I have had the absolute pleasure of working with on a 1:1 basis recently:

Becci Dickens

Name: Becci (Rebecca) Dickens

Your Age (optional): 37

Where do you work: Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service

A brief description of your role/job: Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is a public service, we help prevent fires, and also look after our community. I’m an Admin Support Officer for the Area Managers.

Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

When did you find out you were dyslexic?: March 2015

How did you feel when you found out you were dyslexic?: It was a big relief, and I could understand why I had been the way I had been over the years.

What difference has it made, if any, to your life since you found out?:  I have a calmer approach to tasks assigned to me, and I can be more logical and get things done to a higher standard, and also my fellow colleagues stand by me and know I need that little bit longer to process information.

What advice would you offer to other dyslexics?: Get help it’s not anything to be ashamed of, its something to be proud of.

What do you do to relax/hobbies? I have 2 dogs whom I love to spend time with, I also have a caravan in Wales, and I am always putting myself forward for training courses.

Business website: www.shropshirefire.gov.uk 

Anything you want to add?: “I would recommend anyone who thinks they might be Dyslexic to find out and get help, it is the best thing I have ever done!”

Dyslexia information Day 14!

Dyslexia Information Day 14

The 14th Dyslexia Information Day!
I am over the moon that we are now on our 14th Dyslexia infomration Day!
Form my little idea of having as much information under one roof as I coudl fit, in order to help families and fellow dyslexics access trustworthy & reliable dyslexia information, back in 2008, we are now on the 14th event!
Dyslexia information Day 14 will be packed full of inspiration, positivity and Free advice & guidance, even if a little smaller than the last two mammoth events down at Enginuity.

 

 

 

Dyslexia information Day 14:
Saturday 10th October 2015 we will be at
Hadley United Services & Village Club, High Street Hadley, Telford, TF1 5PB
Drop in between 11am – 3pm

I am pleased to confirm iit is still FREE entry, and you still get a free raffle ticket to be in with a chance to win a copy of the Jenny Leigh book ‘Brian Has Dyslexia'(winner will be picked out of a hat after the event and notified by phone or post.)
Aimed initially at local residents of Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin: our typical visitors are dyslexic individuals, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, partners, employers, trainers, teachers or teaching assistants. But since we started we have had visitors travel from all over to attend the event, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Staffordshire, Buckinghamshire, Devon Manchester and Yorkshire!
At the Dyslexia information Day events you will have the chance to meet a variety of inspirational local dyslexic’s volunteers & local business owners, all of age ranges and professions, what they all hav ein common is they are all full of a wealth of experiences ready to share with you.

“so friendly and so helpful! just a fabulous group of people”

There will also be Free professional advice & guidance from:
The Dyslexic Dyslexia Consultant – Elizabeth Wilkinson (all age ranges),

Elizabeth having a bit of Fun at the 13th Dyslexia information Day !

David Edwards – Technology Trainer (adult)

David pictured with his wife Toshie here at Dyslexia Information Day 12 18th October 2014 at Enginuity in Coalbrookdale
Photograph by Ryan Biggs.

Catherine Huckfield – Dyslexia Assessor (adult) NEW EXHIBITOR

Information Advice Support Service IASS – formally Parent Partnership (child)

IASS at Dyslexia Information Day 13

Independent Support – (Parents, Carers or young people)

Independent Support at Dyslexia Information Day 13

Other exhibitors include:
Usborne books at home – Julie Mansell, (NEW EXHIBITOR)

Usborne Books: Pictured here is Kate, but at DiD 14 Julie will be standing in for her.

Sara Heath co-founder of Autonomy Shropshire

Sara Heath co-Founder of Autonomy at Dyslexia information Day

Mandy Ward – Author of Cassidy Kindly inspirational children’s books,

Mandy E Ward: Ahutor of Cassy Kindly story books! at Dyslexia Information Day 13

Last appearnce of TheDDC Puzzles & Games – manned byVolunteers  Katie & Sue.

Katie & Sue Dyslexia information day Volunteers manning the Puzzles & Toys stand.

Penny Topsom author of Multiplication Rules! (Penny travels from London to be with us!)

Dyslexia information Day 13 with Penny Topsom – Multiplication Rules!

 

In The Shed – Nicola Rust

The talented Nicola Rust aka In The Shed

Telford and Ironbridge Mecanno Society – Christ Shute

Meccanno modle at Dyslexia information day 12

Chris Shute showing fabulous Mecanno modle at Dyslexia information day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dyslexia information Day refreshments team: Jane Sally & Christine

 

Profits from the sale of refreshments this time round will be donated to The British Heart Foundation!

For more information please visit us on Facebook: Dyslexia information Day or twitter @DyslexiaInfoDay or email: info@theddc.org.uk

Hope to see you there between 11am – 3pm
Elizabeth and the Dyslexia information Day team

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