Did you know that dyslexia is the most common disability in UL?
Over 30% of students registered with the disabilities support service are dyslexic. However, there are a lot of stigmas behind this learning disability. It’s important to understand what dyslexia is, what it isn’t, and what supports are available to you — even without a formal diagnosis. Let's break it down!
What Dyslexia IS:
Dyslexia primarily affects how the brain processes written and spoken language. It’s not related to intelligence; people with dyslexia are just as smart as their peers. Dyslexia can affect reading, spelling, writing, and sometimes even speech. Some key characteristics include:
- Difficulty in decoding words, which means sounding them out.
- Slower reading pace and struggling to follow text.
- Challenges in spelling and mixing letters in writing (e.g., writing "b" instead of "d").
- Difficulty with phonological awareness, meaning recognizing the sounds that letters make.
However, dyslexia also brings unique strengths! Many people with dyslexia excel in areas like creative problem-solving, visual thinking, and entrepreneurship. In UL, students often choose courses in the medical field, music and dance. We see you, North Campus!
What Dyslexia ISN’T:
Dyslexia does not reflect intelligence or effort. Many people mistakenly assume that someone with dyslexia just needs to “try harder,” which is not the case. It is also not a vision problem — people with dyslexia don’t see letters backwards, but their brains process written words differently. It's also important to know that dyslexia doesn’t disappear over time. With the right support, many people learn strategies to manage it effectively, but it remains a part of how their brain processes language throughout life.
Fun Facts about Dyslexia
- Creative Superpowers: Many people with dyslexia excel in creative fields like art, design, and music. Their ability to think outside the box often leads to innovative solutions.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Studies have shown that dyslexic individuals are more likely to become entrepreneurs, largely due to their resilience and ability to approach problems from different perspectives.
- Famous Faces: Some of the most influential figures in history, such as Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, and Agatha Christie, are dyslexic!
- Exceptional Visual Thinking: People with dyslexia often have exceptional spatial reasoning skills, which can be an advantage in fields like architecture, engineering, and technology.
I think I am dyslexic, but I haven’t been diagnosed. What resources can I access?
Even if you haven’t been formally diagnosed with dyslexia, there is still support available for students. The University of Limerick, like many institutions, offers a range of services that can help ease the academic challenges of dyslexia. Dyslexia Ireland have shared some resources for students, from technology to myth busting! You can use the link here. You can also self-refer yourself for dyslexia and dyscalculia on their site. You can also chat to the Disability Support Services (DSS) in UL about what resources are available to students. If you’re just looking for a friendly chat with other students with similar experiences, keep an eye out on our Instagram (@ulstudentlife) and join me for a Community Catchup here in the UL Student Life building. There’s free tea, coffee, and snacks. If you can’t make it, I’m always looking for an excuse to go for coffee, so drop me an email!