Consultant and researcher Dr Shae Wissell says she’s surprised about the number of businesses who don’t support dyslexic staff.Supplied
Coolest part of the job:The number of people we can help through coaching and workplace training programs. Most of the time it’s an individual with dyslexia coming to us for help,then we bring the workplace on board.
It’s hard too though,as many times individuals are coming to us with significant workplace challenges impacting their mental health. Some of them are being performance managed;others are struggling to manage in their job and are unsure whether to disclose their dyslexia (the cause of their problems). They need our help putting strategies in place.
I also enjoy getting feedback on the Dear Dyslexic podcast,which has been running for over six years now. It’s a free resource that is listened to globally. It helps reduce stigma and the feelings of isolation many adults with dyslexia can feel. Recently,a 64-year-old man rang me who wanted to thank me. He listens to it while he is on his ride-on mower.
Toughest part of the job:Workplaces don’t know that there is support for their neurodiverse employees under the federal funded initiative,,through the employee assistance program.
They can get support from organisations like ours for workplace training and learn about the simple workplace adjustments,all financially reimbursed through JobAccess:that can make a huge difference.
If you have more than ten staff,you’ve probably got someone with dyslexia on your team.
Some organisations are really excited and embrace us wholeheartedly:We are invited back on multiple occasions to do training and support other staff,not only on dyslexia support but for support on ADHD or inclusive leadership.
We’ve had other individuals we coach who have tried to engage the organisation they work for,but they just don’t want to bring an external person in.
One thing people wouldn’t know about this career:My personal story is not unique in any way,shape or form.
Each time I went into a job I had to work out if I should disclose my dyslexia in an interview,but then I wouldn’t be offered the advertised salary. I wanted to be truthful,but most of the time it wasn’t very productive. If anything,it was counterproductive.
So,most times I waited until I was past probation,and then I’d be told:“I knew something was wrong with you.”
It’s the right job for you if:You want to create meaningful change in others’ lives. That’s what gets me out of bed in the mornings. I wasn’t diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia until after I’d finished university.
It was the icing on the cake as I was going through a marriage breakdown and mental health difficulties. I felt like I’d lost my sense of identity. I was so angry that I’d gone through so many levels of education without anyone picking it up.
People are surprised when I tell them:There’s a real lack of awareness about the prevalence rates within workplaces. If you have more than ten staff,you’ve probably got someone with dyslexia on your team.
However,there are supports that can work exceptionally well. With the right resources in place and with minimal support people with dyslexia can be quite autonomous. It’s not a huge cost. Some of these workplace adjustments are as easy as showing someone how to use Microsoft’s Immersive Reader.
Why I chose this career:People with dyslexia have to advocate so much it’s so exhausting. There’s still such a lack of awareness around it. I want to try to change that.
We hear international voices like Richard Branson talking about their dyslexia,and how it’s okay to be dyslexic,but in Australia,we really need more leaders standing up. We have people like Dr Catherine Foley,Australia’s Chief Scientist,talking about her dyslexia. Why aren’t there more leaders like that?
What formal qualifications I needed:As well as my own lived experience of dyslexia and dysgraphia,I have a number of qualifications,including as a speech pathologist. I also have a double Master of Health Administration and Public Health and a Doctorate of Public Health.
The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories,exclusive coverage and expert opinion..