Disability or Ability? Two Minnesotans
with Dyslexia
by
James J. Bauer
Even though dyslexia was first
identified in the late 1800s, we are just
starting to learn how it has impacted our society in a positive manner.
Much to some people’s
surprise, our history is filled with individuals who have made outstanding
contributions to the world who were dyslexic: Thomas Edison, Albert
Einstein, Woodrow Wilson and Walt Disney just to name a few. Since
my own disclosure of my struggle with dyslexia and the publications
of my two books on this topic, I have met hundreds of individuals who are dyslexic.
In this article I wish to introduce you to just two of the many Minnesotans with
dyslexia who are making a difference.
Lyle's Story
Lyle would be the perfect
example of the statement “think
outside the box;” Lyle has never been “in the box.” Lyle
describes his high school experience as “hitting his head against
a wall” to obtain barely passing grades. In 1970, shortly after
graduation and holding three jobs, Lyle was diagnosed as being dyslexic.
Not to let the simple diagnosis stand in his way, Lyle left his three
jobs for one: selling cookware. When this job failed to “pan
out,” Lyle decided to pursue his lifelong dream of being a
pilot.
Instead of enrolling
in a college to study flying as a conventional student would, Lyle
designed his own approach. With a smile and a wink, Lyle states
that he became a pilot by “just hanging around
the airport.” This statement is in humor but far from the truth.
Lyle became a pilot through his own hard work and tenacity. Armed
with the knowledge that dyslexics are fully capable of learning (they
just learn differently), Lyle moved forward with his plan. He attended
flight school with a hands-on approach; he learned directly from
the other pilots while in the cockpit and attended every flight school
he could develop a relationship with. Lyle eventually obtained his
pilot’s license and became a corporate pilot. He then launched
his own charter business and has flown such well-known individuals
as Paul Wellstone and Norm Coleman.
Approximately three
years ago Lyle lost his left leg due to a serious infection. No
longer able to fly but still able to spread his wings, Lyle has
now launched embarked upon a new career: day trading. His personal
philosophy is, “You have to work hard to get it, but
you have to work harder to keep it.” Among his survival skills
are an incredible sense of humor, high energy, motivation and a wife
who is supportive.
Jane's Story
Jane is a registered
nurse (RN) living and working in northern Minnesota. She was identified
as having dyslexia later in life, which in retrospect allowed her
to make sense of many of the struggles that she had in the past.
Jane states that she cannot remember anything she learned in high
school, with the exception of typing and a few art classes.
Shortly after graduating
from high school, Jane joined the convent with the dream of becoming
a nurse. She was confused when her convent classmates were allowed
to attend college while she was delegated to manual labor. When
she confronted her superiors, she was told that testing showed
she had an IQ of 60 and was not “college
material.” With Jane’s persistence, she was allowed to
enter school to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Even though
Jane did very well in her LPN training, she was told by the individuals
in authority that she “could not expect to advance beyond this
point” because of her low IQ scores.
Jane worked for a number of years as an LPN. However, having the
tenacity and motivation present in many dyslexics, she was eventually
allowed to attend college once again. This time she became an RN,
graduating in the higher percentile of her class. She went on to
work as an RN in Utah and Minnesota, and even held a management position.
Today she works as an RN in a day surgical hospital.
In 1992 Jane was diagnosed
as being dyslexic. Does a diagnosis of dyslexia set someone like
Jane back? No, on the contrary. It shines light on the past and,
because of this new knowledge, it allows a person to advocate for
their own needs. When asked what her personal survival skills are,
Jane immediately answers “a sense of humor.” She
also identifies the ability to be “intuitive.” This ability
often leaves her co-workers asking, “How did you know that
was going to happen?”
Beyond Lyle and Jane's Stories
While Lyle and Jane certainly are unique individuals, they are not
unusual when it comes to the dyslexics being successful. The theme
of having a goal and working diligently towards it is common among
dyslexics. The ability to anticipate what is going to happen next
(intuition), along with a well-tuned sense of humor, also appear
essential for success.
What should you do if you think you are dyslexic? Get evaluated and
find out. When I present people with this option, all too often their
response is, “What if they find out that I am really stupid.” My
immediate response is, “If you were really stupid, we would
not be having this conversation?” ![]()
James J. Bauer M.A. OTR/L is a person with dyslexia.
