Donna Swain sought help at an adult literacy program to improve her reading skills.  In spite of the obstacles she faced, caused by learning differences, Donna has accomplished great things.

 Donna and other adult learners in her literacy program recognized that the lack of public transportation (with the exception of one taxi) in their small town of Orange, Massachusetts caused a problem for the residents.  Many were not able to get to work, and many were not able to attend classes with any regularity, in particular, at the literacy program that she attended.  With Donna's leadership, she and her colleagues were able to help to solve the transportation problem by raising the money to purchase a fifteen-passenger van with a wheelchair lift.  The van would make regular trips for the citizens of Orange, with a special focus on adult learners, to see that they got to and from the local literacy program to attend those all important classes that would literally change their lives.
 
Since then, the town of Orange has obtained public transportation.  Many say that Donna and her colleagues were the impetus for public transportation coming to their town.

As an adult learner leader Donna has gone on to accomplish even greater things.  She speaks throughout the state of Massachusetts, and nationally, of the power of adult literacy to change lives, as it has her own.

Donna is currently the president 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.  In addition, Donna sits on the board of directors of VALUE (Voice of Adult Literacy United for Education), a national organization committed to the cause of adult literacy.

Donna, an adult learner with learning differences, who had to overcome so much, and who is still facing those challenges, is an inspiration to us all.
 
 

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


"I had a difficult time comprehending what I was trying to
read.  I also had a difficult time filling out forms when
applying for a job.  So, I took it upon myself to seek
help. "

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


"Yes.  I was diagnosed with a learning difference."

• "How did you find out that you have a learning difference?  Where was it diagnosed?  Describe that experience.  How did you feel about the process?  For example,  waiting for the test results for whatever the time was  that you had to wait.  Was it a tutor, or teacher referral?"


"My learning difference was diagnosed by a psychologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. I was put through a series of tests in order to find out which learning difference I might have, or if there was more than one that would pose a challenge for me. After the tests were given, I had to wait about a month for the results.  I must admit I felt a little anxious during the wait.  Yet,  once I found out, it was a relief. "

• "What is your particular learning difference called?"


"My particular learning difference is called dyslexia. Again, once I found out that what I've been challenged with for all these years actually had a name, it was a relief, because now I know that I learn in different ways. I've also learned that I have a lot of strengths. In addition to having dyslexia, I've been diagnosed with a condition called Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).  ADD is not considered a learning difference.  Although it is not considered a learning difference, it doesn't help when I'm in the classroom trying to learn.  The condition makes concentrating on my work a challenge."

• "You were successful in learning how to read.  You've become an adult learner leader.  Many people  with learning differences can relate to the challenges  you face.  Although you've been diagnosed, your learning difference, it just doesn't go away. How were you, with your learning difference able to be successful in learning how to read, and in becoming  an adult learner leader?"

 
"I was determined to learn how to read.  It's still a struggle for me to read and comprehend what I'm reading, but I'm determined to work on it every day. I was determined to become and adult learner leader.  I always wanted to take on a challenge, and becoming an adult learner leader was a challenge to me.  It was important to me, because I felt I had something to give back to others."

• "What techniques did you use, or do you still use, to deal with your learning difference that made you able to become successful?"


"With my particular learning difference I find it helpful to have the reading material in large print.  When I'm on the computer I will use a larger font (usually a 22 font).  Also, having the print in bold helps.  Spaces help as well.  In other words, in the written word, separating ideas by skipping spaces in between ideas, or topics, cuts down a great deal on confusion. Another thing, don't be afraid to ask people to repeat something if you don't understand.  If you don't understand something, and then don't ask, you'll never make progress that way--so, just ask.   Those are just some of the things I find were helpful to me in making progress in my education, and in becoming an adult learner leader.  Remember, the struggle continues, and I still use those techniques to this day."
 

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


"The Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA), and the Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts (LVM).  If you are in Western Massachusetts, I recommend very highly a program called The Literacy Project.  That is the program that has helped me to successfully work through the challenges I face.  Any of these organizations that I mentioned are good resources for help and information. "

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

"Keep trying.  Don't give up.  I know its hard at first, but youÌll find yourself making progress.  Its all worth it in the end."