I am new to this bulletin, I am 35 and severely dyslexic, so if I have typos, please excuse me. I survived the harrowing ordeal of college as an older woman with LD and lack of financial support from the very government agencies that are supposed to help those of us who have disabilities. I was fortunate to have gotten involved with LDA when I was living in the Allentown/Philly area of PA, and now I am an independent investment broker struggling in post-9/11 to make a living. 6 months ago I had moved to the northwestern part of the state (500 miles away from home) and now reside about 40 miles south of Lake Erie in Crawford County, PA. I was stunned that this area is about 20 years behind the times compared to the more progresssive areas of PA when it comes to public awareness on learning disabilities and the challenges we live through every day. One thing I believe is this: As adults w/ LD, we must not let our lazy, crooked fearless leaders in government off the hook when it comes to the LD adult population being underserved by voc rehab, AFDC or SSI. We must squawk loud and clear that we are not an insignificant number and that we vote. One thing I am adamant about is giving true meaning to equal opportunity employment as opposed to lip service. An equal chance is not too much to ask and we all need to drive this point home in our respective communities where we live.
Re: Econmic Opportunities for those of us w/ LD
Hi! My name is Chandra- I’m dyslexic too! Mild, but dyslexic, I was the one skipped for all of my legal rights to help because my “need wasn’t severe enough”. I am currently enrolled in Grad school to get my Masters in Special Education so that I can teach kids like us and help those who need it regardless of severity or type. I also was turned down for finacial help from the “helpful and supportive government” and don’t know where to turn for money. I vote, I pay taxes, I make w/ my husbands an my income combined less that 30,000 after taxes (just over before) and live payck to payck. How did you get the money for school? Do you have any suggestions for me? Good luck with all you do and keep fighting for us- I’ll be here to help with anything you need to know- laws, rights, education you name it, after all I am going to be a teacher (even if it takes me forever!)
Dyslexic,
Chandra
I have suggested that people write angrily and often to their elected officials and refer them to this site. They need to be made aware of the dreadful state of vocational rehabititation as it applies to all the “disabled”.
The system was inherintly flawed at it’s inception. The basic problem is that the state VRs are not held accountable and are basically a parasite on the federal gravy train.
I don’t think the pols are the basic problem. The agencies are just plain corrupt.