Extending The Handle of Hope!

 

 

Extending the handle of hope_____ connecting, sharing, and allowing others to feel your passion...by owning the gifts and challenges of your story!

 I recently had the opportunity to sit down and share my story with another family, also on a journey for dyslexia awareness and change. Brought together by Decoding Dyslexia WV, we are both living right here in the eastern panhandle; living each day with dyslexic children. It was so refreshing to be able to talk about our battles; and our children's challenges and gifts. To listen to their story...and to feel as if they were describing mine. I am optimistic that with each connection we make, that we are able to bring out more awareness for the 1 in 5, living with dyslexia. 
          It has been a long road for us...without real direction or answers. Wondering where the moments of hope would come from. When you have a child with a challenge, no matter what that challenge might be....you stay on that road.....and look for hope. I've learned the answers aren't going to happen over night...like a light bulb that goes off, and just stays on. It happens in flickers, and you have to stay alert to recognize the encounters. Those that share similar stories, but also the encounters with individuals that are unaware and misinformed. Sharing my story, starting this blog and venturing into unknown territory as I joined twitter... all in the past few weeks, have left me seeing hopeful!
        As I shared my story with someone else that was familiar to the likes of it, I saw the need for me to be more open with others on the outside, of the dyslexic understanding. Just acknowledging my kids are dyslexic, is not doing it justice. For me, my story often stops after people ask me why I'm homeschooling. I reply--- "because my kids are dyslexic, and the school system won't recognize it".  Often, this spurs preconceived ideas and misconceptions of what dyslexia is. Much of the time I am annoyed at the responses I get, and turn the topic  elsewhere. I even find a good portion of teachers, to be very misinformed...from regular classroom teachers to special education teachers. Often openly admitting that their teacher training did not offer much information on the subject area; with little to no plan of action for testing, recognizing or intervention existing in their schools. In fact, more often than not...their teacher training has left them with many myths, rather than the facts. This in itself, has me wanting to run the other direction. When in fact, I should be embracing the opportunity to educate them on something 1 in 5 of their students struggles from.
        Dyslexics can often be referred to as having a "gift". Yes, dyslexia has it's amazing and beautiful talents that are part of the journey; but it also has a very challenging and misunderstood side. A side that until others feel compassionate about, or until they understand the consequences of ignoring...we cannot expect change to occur.
     With dyslexia, it is knowing and understanding that there is no "cure" or solution, that will undo how the dyslexic brain is wired. The end goal we are looking for, is that society as a whole will better understand, and offer opportunity.  From the everyday individuals that have their own ideas as to why someone can't read; to the teachers, that have the ability to foster the "gifts" and positive self esteem. The medical professionals that can expand the research; educating the insurance industry from a scientific perspective. To the policy makers at the top, that have the power to create positive reform. The hope we are looking for, is a collaboration amongst all; to empower those living with dyslexia..... to lead fulfilled lives!
        One of the  greatest things about sharing and connecting with others who are on the same path as you, is that it opens new avenues for everyone. It allows individuals to talk more openly about what the heavy heart feels like...because you know they share the same journey. It allows you to own your story... and to express it; without the intimidation of  misunderstandings and myths. It is about allowing you to get comfortable enough to talk about it, outside the dyslexic circle.
         As parents, we are the most intimate with our child's dyslexic world. It is our voice that can help others make notice of what works and what doesn't. It is our voice, that can help change the disconnect others have with this learning disability. Not just what it means for the child themselves, but for the family and society in general.  Change happens when individuals have a direct connection to a problem, feel deeply compassionate for another individuals cause, or when others feel society will suffer ramifications.  Nobody will have as much passion or clarity for your cause, as you do...and so it must start with your story.
       When we start to connect and share the ride with others who are on this journey, the ride suddenly become less bumpy; opening new paths for everyone.  We can only extend the handle of awareness to those not in our circle, by allowing them to feel... what we are so passionate about. Allowing them to understand the "gifts", along with the challenges. By connecting and sharing, we are providing those fighting for dyslexia awareness..... those small flickers of hope! 

Thank you for grabbing the handle and pulling along the ride,

Jody 

P.S. follow me on twitter  @redwgn5

       If you, or someone you know or love is dyslexic,  share the story behind it; open up conversation for others to feel the compassion, to make change. If you're a teacher, in the medical profession, a public figure or policy maker.....when given the opportunity to address someones dyslexia....ask how your voice or power can make a difference. 


Myths about Dyslexia straight from the____ International Dyslexic Association(IDA):IDA website

Disclaimer: I am not a trained medical professional or in the field of dyslexia research...just a mom sharing her story from my own personal experience. Making awareness and connecting with others, on the same journey!:)