Dyslexic Speaker Inspires Other
Turning Dyslexia into a Super Power!
Collette Costello, a remarkable woman with dyslexia, had always struggled with public speaking. However, she was determined to face her demons head-on by accepting an invitation to speak at the "Reframe Women in Tech Event." Her chosen topic was her journey as a "Dyslexic Mum." Collette knew that as a speaker, she might stumble over her words or struggle to answer questions, which were common challenges for dyslexic individuals. Nevertheless, she believed that it was better to try than to let fear hold her back. Deep down, she hoped that her story would inspire other dyslexic people too.
After Collette finished speaking, a man approached her and expressed his gratitude for shedding light on dyslexia, explaining that it was a topic rarely discussed. Furthermore, a mother in the audience shared with Collette how her child's confidence had been shattered due to dyslexia. These encounters only fueled Collette's determination to make a difference.
Collette's personal journey with dyslexia began during her school years. She found it difficult to maintain friendships and was frequently reprimanded by teachers. Despite these challenges, Collette managed to overcome the obstacles and eventually became both a teacher and a businesswoman. However, as the mother of a dyslexic child, she understood the frustrations that accompanied the learning process. Trying to convince her daughter to sit down and do homework when the sun was shining felt like an uphill battle.
Driven by her personal experiences, Collette took up the cause of advocating for changes in the dyslexia education system. She shared her story on the Unique Dyslexic Eye podcast with Steve McCue, where she highlighted her struggles with dyslexia and her efforts to challenge the medical model that portrays dyslexia as a discrepancy, disorder, or deficit. Instead, Collette supported the social model that viewed dyslexia as a form of diversity and difference.
Unique Dyslexic Podcast with Guest Collette Costello, and founder of DyslexicMum
Collette vividly remembered her school days when teachers would pose questions to the class. She often knew the answer, but when she attempted to speak, her words would come out jumbled and unintelligible. The embarrassment she felt made her believe that public speaking was something she simply couldn't do. However, at home, she never stopped talking. Among her group of friends, she was known as the loudest, always bursting with captivating stories. Interestingly, her dyslexic daughter possessed the same gift for storytelling.
The turning point for Collette came when she was selected to speak at the Reframe Women in Tech Conference. Despite her long career as a lecturer, she had always been hesitant about public speaking due to her dyslexia. However, she discovered that storytelling was her secret weapon. By incorporating stories into her speeches, she could effectively convey information and captivate her audience. Collette realized that dyslexic children, with their natural inclination for storytelling, could harness this talent to improve their learning experience. Focusing on a narrative helped dyslexic children remember and recall facts more effectively.
During her journey, Collette received wise words from her 90-year-old grandmother: "Growing up is hard." Now, as a mother and a teacher, she fully understood that childhood was not always a fairytale. In the 1980s, she had endured hurtful labels such as "thick," "stupid," and "lazy" from her peers and educators. It wasn't until later in life that she discovered her dyslexia, and as a teacher, she witnessed similar struggles among her students. Dyslexia was hindering their ability to learn and thrive.
Collette's journey wasn't easy. She endured hurtful labels and witnessed her own daughter's struggles with dyslexia. Motivated by these experiences, she created Mooki cards, a resource to help dyslexic children in the classroom and at home. By transforming her Dyslexic Mum card deck into a digital version, Collette aimed to empower parents, caregivers, and teachers to support dyslexic children effectively.
Collette's story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, self-discovery, and using one's unique strengths to make a positive impact. It's a reminder that childhood may not always be a fairytale, but with determination, understanding, and the right tools, we can rewrite the narrative and create a brighter future for dyslexic individuals everywhere.
"Embrace your differences, for within them lies your unique power to inspire and create change."
What’s Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects a person's ability to read, write, spell, and sometimes speak. It is characterized by difficulties with language processing, particularly in relation to decoding and recognizing written words. Dyslexia is not related to intelligence or vision problems, but rather stems from differences in how the brain processes and interprets language.
Individuals with dyslexia may experience challenges in various areas, such as letter recognition, phonological awareness, word retrieval, and reading comprehension. They often struggle with phonemic awareness, which is the ability to identify and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words. These difficulties can hinder their reading fluency and comprehension, making it harder for them to keep up with their peers academically.
Dyslexia is a lifelong condition, but with appropriate support and interventions, individuals with dyslexia can develop strategies to manage their challenges effectively. These may include specialized reading programs, assistive technologies, multisensory teaching methods, and accommodations in educational settings.
It is important to recognize that dyslexia is a specific learning difference and not a reflection of a person's intelligence or potential. Many individuals with dyslexia possess unique strengths, such as creativity, problem-solving skills, and out-of-the-box thinking. With the right support, dyslexic individuals can thrive academically, professionally, and personally, contributing their unique perspectives and talents to society.
Creating a dyslexia-inclusive environment involves raising awareness, providing appropriate educational support, and fostering a culture that celebrates neurodiversity, promoting acceptance and understanding for individuals with dyslexia and other learning differences.
For more information, please visit Dyslexic Mum
Rewrite your story.
The inspirational story of Collette Costello, a dyslexic woman who overcame challenges and found success, can serve as a source of motivation and guidance for anyone facing obstacles in their own lives. Here are some ways you can apply the lessons from her story to your own life:
Embrace your uniqueness: Recognize that your differences and challenges do not define you or limit your potential. Embrace your unique qualities and strengths, just as Collette embraced her dyslexia and used it as a superpower.
Persevere through adversity: Collette faced difficulties and negative labels throughout her life but never gave up. Apply this resilience to your own journey. When faced with obstacles, setbacks, or criticism, keep pushing forward and believe in your ability to overcome.
Use storytelling to communicate: Collette discovered the power of storytelling as a means of conveying information and connecting with others. Consider how you can use storytelling in your own life to communicate your ideas, experiences, and passions. Stories have the ability to inspire, educate, and create connections.
Seek support and resources: Collette's journey was aided by the support she received from others. Similarly, reach out for support and seek resources that can help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals. Whether it's through friends, family, mentors, or specialized tools, don't hesitate to ask for help.
Advocate for change: Collette's story involved advocating for a shift in the understanding and approach to dyslexia. Identify areas in your life or community where change is needed, and become an advocate for that cause. Your voice and actions can make a difference.
Believe in yourself: One of the most important takeaways from Collette's story is the importance of self-belief. Despite the doubts and struggles, she never stopped believing in her own potential. Cultivate a strong belief in yourself and your abilities. Trust that you have the strength and capability to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
Remember, everyone's journey is unique, but by drawing inspiration from stories like Collette's, you can find the motivation and guidance to overcome your own challenges and create a fulfilling and successful life.
The author.
As the author of "The Positive Pen" on Substack, available at rinaldoj.substack.com, my mission revolves around crafting uplifting narratives that shed light on the untold tales of remarkable individuals within the realm of social media. Through this endeavor, my aspiration is to ignite a spark of inspiration within others, urging them to embrace love, kindness, and empathy in their interactions. Each time I pen one of these stories, I am once again reminded of the extraordinary resilience and fortitude embodied by the human spirit. The profound impact these stories have had on me motivates me to share them with the world, with the firm belief that they can foster a positive influence and inspire others to recognize the inherent beauty and benevolence in humanity. Ultimately, my goal is to spread hope, positivity, and motivation, serving as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always a reason to persevere. May peace reign within us all!