Hello, everyone! Some of you may already know me, and some may have had the chance to meet me. I am Arran Smith, and I am a severely dyslexic adult who has dedicated over two decades to the field of dyslexia and neurodiversity. In this blog, I want to share my personal story and my deep understanding of dyslexia and its broader impact on the neurodiverse community.
The Blog
I am deeply honoured to step into the role previously held by John Hicks, who has been a guiding light in my personal and professional journey within the field of dyslexia. Over the years, the Studying with Dyslexia blog and the Parenting Dyslexia Facebook page have been integral parts of our collective effort to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of dyslexia and neurodiversity.
It is with a profound sense of privilege that I accept this responsibility, and I am committed to carrying forward the mission of spreading awareness and knowledge about dyslexia. I hope that you will continue to find value in these endeavours and actively contribute to this ongoing journey of empowerment and inclusion. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with dyslexia and promote diversity and understanding in our society.
My Dyslexia Story:
My journey with dyslexia began at the age of nine when I was diagnosed. I vividly remember the stress and anxiety I felt being told I was dyslexic. It was like a trip to the dentist – uncomfortable and unsettling. However, with time, I came to appreciate the unique strengths that dyslexia brought into my life. While I may not always agree with the term "superpower," I have come to see how it aptly describes the advantages of dyslexia.
Diagnosis:
My parents took the initiative to have me assessed privately by the Dyslexia Institute when I was nine. It was my mom who broke the news to me, explaining that I had dyslexia, which might explain my difficulties with reading and writing. I later learned that my mum had been asking for me to have an assessment since I was in year 2. In year 4, I was fortunate to have a teacher who was interested in dyslexia. She provided me with a helpful book titled "Do You Think You Have a Problem?" This book was instrumental in explaining dyslexia to me and offering support. Throughout primary school, I received a statement of education, and instead of visiting the SENCO's office, the SENCO sat next to me in class three times a week.
Secondary School:
My experiences at primary school included being picked on for my difficulties for not knowing one times one, but things took an interesting turn when I entered secondary school. I had a deep interest in technology, and I eagerly joined the computer club. Over three years, I learned how to use PowerPoint, helped build a computer room, and even received commendations for my contributions. However, in year eight, a devastating moment occurred during a parent-teacher conference when my teaching assistant told my mom that I would never amount to anything because of my reading struggles. This moment stayed with me, but as you will see, it did not define my future.
Moving to Upper School:
In my area, we had a three-tier school system, and I transitioned to upper school for years 10 and 11. Here, the SENCO recognized the severity of my dyslexia and provided substantial support. While having a resolute teaching assistant was incredibly helpful, it presented a challenge for me as a dyslexic individual who struggled to read handwritten notes.
Outside of School:
My parents and sister played a crucial role in my life by supporting me and introducing me to the Leicestershire Dyslexia Association. From the age of nine to seventeen, I attended Saturday morning sessions for English and computer lessons. At 15, I began assisting with computer classes and eventually became the support coordinator. At 18, I became the vice chair of the association and received recognition as a young achiever by the British Dyslexia Association in 2009 – a moment of pride for my family.
Leaving School:
I left school with five GCSEs and pursued further education in college, where I studied AVCE and GMVQ in computers and information technology. However, my frustration with traditional education led me to become a youth worker for 2 1/2 years before facing my first redundancy.
Challenges I Face:
It is essential to highlight that I am not just dyslexic; I also exhibit tendencies of ADHD, ASD, and dyspraxia. I was screened for dyspraxia by the Leicestershire Dyslexia Association.
Career Path:
My career path took various turns, from working on a building site to thriving in retail, where I excelled in sales and customer interactions. However, I faced challenges due to my dyslexia and a lack of understanding from some employers.
Involvement with Dyslexia Associations:
Throughout my journey, I continued to volunteer for the Leicestershire Dyslexia Association and became more engaged with the British Dyslexia Association (BDA). I served as a non-executive director and eventually became the BDA's Membership Development Officer.
British Dyslexia Association (BDA):
Working at the BDA for over 5 1/2 years was a turning point in my life. I contributed to various initiatives, including membership development, support for local dyslexia associations, and the expansion of professional membership. I also managed projects like after-school clubs across the UK and drove a van with "Dyslexia on the Move" written on it. This job allowed me to achieve personal milestones like buying a car, owning a home, and starting a family.
Post-BDA Journey:
In 2016, due to funding issues, my role at the BDA was made redundant. I embarked on a new chapter, applying for various jobs, and eventually, I decided to start my own venture.
SEND Group:
SEND Group was created in 2016, with the support of Dr Steve Chinn. We embraced the power of webinars, offering a library of over two hundred webinars and fifteen courses, all aimed at supporting professionals in the field of special education needs and disabilities, not just dyslexia.
LVA Group:
Leaving the British Dyslexia Association opened opportunities, and I worked with companies like Scanning Pens, Nessy Learning, Claro Software, and St. David's College. I also had the privilege of collaborating with Microsoft as their Dyslexia and SEND Consultant for the UK, a role I held until June 2023.
Dyslexia Show:
In 2019, I founded the Dyslexia Show, which has become the UK's leading exhibition dedicated to dyslexia and neurodiversity. This event aims to raise awareness, provide support, and enhance understanding for educators, parents, workplaces, and individuals. We are about to enter our third year on the 15th and 16th of March.
Read Successfully and Flexitable:
In 2021, I, along with my wife and investors, acquired Read Successfully, the home of TRUGS, a synthetic phonics card game that aids reading. Additionally, I initiated in 2023 the purchase of Flexitables, a set of number grids designed to support mastery in mathematics.
This blog has been quite a journey, but I wanted to introduce myself and share my story with you. My passion lies in supporting dyslexic individuals and promoting understanding and empathy within our community. By fostering ongoing awareness of dyslexia and neurodiversity across education, parenting, and the broader community, we can all achieve more and continue to grow together.
Thank you for joining me on this journey of empowerment and advocacy for neurodiversity. Together, we can make a difference!
IDAD is not just another awareness day; it's a celebration of the unique challenges and strengths associated with dysgraphia. By coming together, we can make a significant impact on raising awareness about dysgraphia and providing support to those affected by this condition.
What to Expect on IDAD:
Over 19 Informative Sessions: Join us for a diverse lineup of sessions featuring some remarkable speakers, all dedicated to shedding light on the intricacies of dysgraphia.
7 Live Sessions: Throughout the day, we will host seven live sessions, allowing you to actively engage with speakers and connect with fellow attendees in real time. This interaction promises to be both insightful and inspiring.
12 On-Demand Sessions: If you are unable to attend the live sessions, don't worry! We will have twelve sessions available for you to watch at your convenience, starting from October 2nd.
How to Get Involved:
To learn more about the event and register, please visit our website at https://tiny.one/IDAD23. By registering, you will receive timely updates and important information about IDAD as the event approaches.
International Dysgraphia Awareness Day 2023 is a pivotal moment for all of us to come together, learn, and advocate for those with dysgraphia. Let us join hands on October 2nd to expand our understanding, show support, and celebrate the strengths within this community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals affected by dysgraphia.
Date For Your Diary.
The Dyslexia Show 2024 takes place on the 15th and 16th of March at the NEC in Birmingham. Registration is now open!! Join us today by registering for the UK's leading exhibition dedicated to Dyslexia and Neurodiversity.