Christine Smith has been living with the challenge of having a learning difference ever since she could remember (second or third grade). Even through high school the struggle continued, where she was finally diagnosed with a learning difference.  Obtaining an education was a lifelong struggle, fraught with frustration.  As an adult, Christine finally got the help she needed.  Remarkably, Christine now attends college where she has made the Dean's List for academic achievement.  Hear, in her own words, about the struggle to live with a learning difference, and how she manages to succeed against the odds.

In addition to overcoming a lifelong struggle with learning differences, attending college, and making the Dean's List, Christine is now an adult learner leader.   She sits on the Board of Directors of  the Massachusetts Alliance for Adult Literacy (Mass AAL), an organization dedicated to the advancement of the cause of adult literacy, and to seeing that adults in literacy programs reach their full potential by becoming active citizens in their communities effecting positive change. Whether you struggle with a learning difference, or not, what we get from a story like Christine's, is to never give up.
 
 

 Conducted in July, 2001 by Ernest Best, Executive Director, Massachusetts Alliance for Adult Literacy
 
 

• "What prompted you to attend an adult literacy program?"


"For a long time I had known that I had difficulty learning.
So, I took it upon myself to seek the help that I needed."

• "In terms of your education, are there any special challenges you face?"


"Yes.  I am challenged with a learning difference."

• "How did you find out that you have a learning difference? Where was it diagnosed?  Describe the experience. How did you feel about the process?  Was it a teacher or tutor referral?"


"My learning differences was diagnosed in high school. Although, actually, I knew since 2nd, or 3rd grade, because of the trouble I was having when trying to learn. Taking the actual tests to see if I had a learning difference, and to see exactly what my specific difference was called, was a long, drawn out process.  I would get frustrated, because I knew it was there -- I just wanted to get it over with.   My mother is the one that took on the responsibility to see that I got tested.  My mother was always there -- she was the most supportive.  "

• "What is your particular learning difference called?"


"I have been diagnosed with dyslexia.  In addition to dyslexia, I have a condition called Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).  The condition adds to the difficulty of my trying to learn, although the condition is not considered a learning difference.  Because of it, I have difficulty concentrating.  So, I have to work hard on concentration. "

• "What specific techniques did you use to become successful?"


"For example, when I have difficulty with a word I may write it down several times.  Another thing I might do is to write the word on white paper.  Then I would use a clear, transparent material, which I have access to at school.  This way the word sits right up in front of you.  This works well with people with learning differences, because we often forget a word.  So, this is one technique I'd recommend. Typing in larger print when doing a paper for school, so that I can really see it is another way that works for me. I also have to put things in order.  I must be organized to function on the level that I'd like.  For example, at work, I'll make a list of the most important things, go do those, and then return, and repeat the process. "
 

• "What resources are you aware of that would help other adults with learning differences?  Classes?  Tutorials?  Materials?Individual people?


"Public libraries are a good place to start.  High schools have adult education programs that could help.  Going even to the hospitals, the social workers, they provide information as well.  Even the Welfare Department has information on where to get help.  Some churches are a good source for information and even conduct adult literacy classes as well. "

• "What would you like to say to adult learners who may be struggling with learning differences (or adult learners in general)?"


"Although trying to learn with a learning difference is a struggle, never give up! "