It was clear from a young age that reading, writing, and phonics recognition was challenging for me. These concerns were first raised to my parents by my amazing home daycare provider. With this awareness and the support of amazing teachers I was diagnosed with a Learning Disability in grade 3. Although being diagnosed with a Learning Disability provided many resources, there were still a lot of challenges to overcome. Reading felt like a burden and often caused me anxiety. In addition, I found it difficult to connect with peers my own age. My parents had never heard of a Learning Disability, so they worried what the future entailed for me. With my diagnosis, they set out to educate themselves in order to support me. They attended talks held by the Learning Disability Association of York-Simcoe which provided lots of helpful information. They also discovered a reading intervention program through Reading Rescue Ontario created by Linda Soehner, B.A., M.Ed. This program was a couple of hours away from my house but with the help of my grandparents I was able to attend. 

Other resources provided by my elementary school, Terry Fox Public School, included assistive technology, IEP plans, and enrollment into a resource classroom. I would like to recognize my amazing SERT at the time who helped me develop my self-advocacy skills which truly has led to many of my present successes. In addition, with my SERT’s nomination I was fortunate to be a recipient of the “Yes I Can: Self-Advocacy Award” presented by York Region District School Board in 2017. Overall, I contribute my knowledge and self-awareness around my Learning Disability to the amazing teachers and supports at Terry Fox Public School.

After graduating from Terry Fox, I attended Sir William Mulock Secondary School from 2019-2023. A challenge I faced during the first semester of grade 9 was accessing online textbooks. For me, using assistive reading technology is extremely important for learning and absorbing material.  We worked with the school to come up with solutions that allowed me to be successful. I was very supported throughout high school by the amazing Special Education Department at the school. I was assigned to a supportive and inspiring SERT who prepared me for university life with a disability. I was very grateful to receive the YRDSB Academic Accomplishment Award during my high school graduation.

I am incredibly honoured to be a recipient of the Roy Cooper Memorial Scholarship provided by the Learning Disability Association of Ontario. This scholarship helped immensely towards my first year of university and I am truly honoured to be recognized by such an amazing organization.

I am now in my second year at McMaster University for Biology and Mathematics. I have always found change in my life difficult and this was especially evident during the transition to university. In particular, the prospect of living on my own, adjusting to a new environment, and building new relationships evoked a lot of anxiety.

Along my journey, I believe that self-advocacy has been one of the most beneficial skills towards my success. The ability to communicate and understand my needs and strengths truly has allowed me to access the help I needed. In addition, self-advocacy is an ongoing process which I am still developing to this day. In the end, I encourage all neurodiverse individuals to believe in themselves, their dreams, and to have the courage to seek help along the way.