Thursday, 5 November 2015

Interview with Dyslexic Administrator and Apprentice

Below is an interview conducted by CLMD with a Dyslexic Administrator and Apprentice. This was done to highlight some of the positives and negatives faced by those with learning difficulties such as dyslexia in administrative roles. CLMD hopes that by Highlighting some of the issues employer awareness can be engaged and dyslexics can not only be given more opportunities in administrative positions but can also get the help they need to make these positions more accessible. 



What are the difficulties you face having dyslexia in an admin position?

‘When I am set targets and tasks I find it hard to achieve them due to the dyslexia because I feel it affects my ability and I am not always able to complete tasks on time. I often end up missing deadlines. On the other hand though administration is something that I really enjoy and I am very strong in some of the things I need to do like signing students up because in that role I do not need to write necessarily just check that paperwork has been completed properly’. 

How do you overcome these difficulties?

‘I do not feel that it is easy to overcome my issues because a lot of what I find difficult will mean that I have to ask for help. I feel embarrassed to discuss it with my colleagues. It does help when other people check my work but I feel that this can cause a delay. If someone is busy who doesn’t have dyslexia it can take a longer time to get things done. It can make me feel embarrassed when we discuss people helping me in meetings but I do understand the importance of the information we send out being correct especially being an educational institution. My deadlines are always extended if I need extra time. I enjoy my job, am committed to my company and thankful for the opportunity so sometimes I feel bad because I have been unable to do things when they may be needed’.

How do you think you could be helped?

‘I would ideally like my dyslexia not to be brought up in front of some of my colleagues or less often. I think if we could have a system where there are more templates this could help. Some kind of speaking software could help with spelling mistakes. A read and write software for example’.
Are there any jobs you could do without dyslexia being a problem?
Most jobs have an element of administration. I did want to be a florist before.
Anything else?
Having dyslexia is not the end of the word it just makes life more difficult. I am trying to help myself by being more proactive and reading books that help me to strengthen my reading skills. Being more familiar with words and spelling everyday has made my spelling 100 times better since I began working here. Though it is hard my confidence has also increased a lot. Before I came to work I used to spend a lot of time at home.

What advice would you give to someone with dyslexia who wants to go into admin?

I would say to find a company who are very supportive as mine have been with me. I would also say however to think about it because it is very taxing.


If you have a learning difficulty and think CLMD can help you to gain access to an apprenticeship then please apply: www.clmd.org.uk/apply

Are you an employer looking to give a young person an opportunity? recruitment@clmd.org.uk 

Cedainne Hart
Centre for Leadership and Management Development
18-36 Wellington Street
Woolwich
SE18 6PF
02083177380
Facebook.com/CLMDUK
Instagram: Clmdrecruit
Twitter:CLMD123



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