After participating in several intervention programs and not making the gains that were expected, I was introduced to assistive technology (AT), computer software that translated text into speech and speech into text. I can honestly say that learning AT was a turning point in my life.  It allowed me to read the same information as my peers and enabled me to share my ideas and thinking to my fullest potential, no longer limited by the difficulty I had connecting letters with their sounds.  AT increased my abilities, confidence, and achievements; for the first time, I felt CAPABLE. I genuinely believe I would not be where I am today without AT.

I have just been accepted into the School and Clinical Child Psychology PhD program at the University of Toronto. My dream of becoming a clinical psychologist is becoming a reality. My journey has also ignited a passion in me to help create accessible and barrier-free education for neurodiverse students. Through my work with the Learning Disability Association of Ontario (LDAO), I have  helped to develop two programs called SOAR-secondary and SOAR-post-secondary, also known as TIPS!  These programs are designed to assist individuals with learning disabilities in successfully transitioning to high school or post-secondary. Additionally, I am the primary researcher on a project focused on identifying the factors that prevent students with learning disabilities from using assistive technology in the classroom. This research aims to capture the students’ point of view and use this information to improve how AT is introduced and implemented in the classroom setting. 

Through these endeavours, I aspire to help neurodiverse individuals like myself reach their fullest potential and work toward their dreams.  Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope that by sharing my story, I can help individuals who learn differently see that with appropriate support and the right tools, they, too, are CAPABLE and can accomplish anything they put their minds to. Echoing the wise words of Dr. Seuss, “You have brains in your head. Feet in your shoes, you. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”

Lastly, remember to give yourself grace. Living in a world not designed for you is tough, so prioritize self-care and reach out for support when needed. And always remember, you are not alone!