No Mean Feat

    For many people reading is difficult all through their school years and adult life. They face a continual, uphill battle. I know how inconvenient it is to go shopping, or reading food preparation instructions, when I don't have my reading glasses at hand. But, the hindrance I'm encountering is temporary, and easily solved by slipping my glasses onto the end of my nose. Therefore, I can't imagine what it is really like to be unable to read.

    On morning television recently there was an eighty-seven year old woman who read a passage from her favourite book; while there isn't anything too surprising about that, it was an admirable feat for this lady. Because, until now she had been unable to read a book.

    Like many people; throughout her life she has managed to hide her handicap from others, feeling ashamed and embarrassed at the daily obstacle she faced. Distinguishing one letter from another had been her greatest challenge and becoming muddled had deterred her. She has now been identified as having learning difficulties, and given the help that she needed to overcome her impediment.

    Being able to read is just her first step and learning to write is now on her agenda, appearing on TV in the hope to encourage others to follow in her foot-steps.

    I applaud, Ursula Shepherd, in her achievement. For those who need encouragement to follow her in learning a new skill, remember the words of, Albert Einstein, "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."


http://www.readingrockets.org/helping

http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexic