Dyslexia is the New Black
When the word dyslexia comes to mind you don’t often think of a beautifully melanated model, but here we are. With interests in Black feminism, veganism and politics, Hillary is a prime example that one size doesn’t fit all. She considers herself delightfully dyslexic and as you read on, I’m sure you’ll agree.
How do you define dyslexia? Dyslexia, is a life-long neurodiverse experience which impacts the way you communicate with people. Dyslexia does not affect your intelligence.
What moment or series of experiences made you realize that you learned differently and what prompted you to get tested? In my first job after college, I found it so difficult to deliver communications materials in a timely manner. I found it hard to engage, and I found it hard to communicate. So I asked a Diversity and Inclusion team member if my company could have me tested for dyslexia.
Do you have any memorable experiences of your school years that were impacted by dyslexia? I remember in middle school my teacher mentioned that I might be dyslexic, but at the time I didn’t know what it meant. I was so confused.
How can we amplify the voices of Black dyslexic women? We need to first understand how misogynoir and ableism can work together to “otherize” Black dyslexic women. Then space needs to be created for us. This can be done by researching neurodiversity and asking what our needs are.
How has dyslexia influenced your working and learning habits? Dyslexia has impacted me a lot. So much of learning is communication. Teaching practices that partake in “banking” information into a student or depositing knowledge into their brain, goes over my head. I need time to dissect and break things down at my pace. I also prefer hands-on education and debating topics over writing.
What resources are currently helping you navigate your diagnosis? Support is huge for me. That’s why I utilize the Flynt Network, British Association of Dyslexia and the Dyslexic Advantage YouTube channel.
Learn more about Hillary by checking out her writing on Medium.