Education program provides a pathway for students to overcome the problems associated with dyslexia — a widespread learning disability.

Twice a week, the students in Abena Kuumba’s class for dyslexia gather to work together on overcoming life-long learning problems. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that often goes undiagnosed. Difficulties with reading and comprehension, spelling and pronunciation are some of the problems associated with dyslexia. Each student brings a history of personal struggle to the class.

Deborah Griffith, a member of Dept. of Education Local 372 points out, “Even if someone’s very close to you, they might not know, but you’re ashamed. I was scared and ashamed to do a lot of things that have to do with writing or expressing yourself on paper. Now I’m using this program to help me.”

Roy Richardson found out about the class in the Public Employee Press. Dyslexia has held him back all his life. “People make fun of you and the way you’re speaking,” he said. Now enrolled in the class for the second time, he is encouraged by his progress. “I really have seen changes. Now I help myself pronounce words, break them down into syllables and figure out the meaning,” he said.

A member of Custodial Assistant Employees Local 1597, Mr. Richardson works for the New York City College of Technology, where members recently elected him as their shop steward. He has a one-year old grandson: “Now I will be able to teach him and help him succeed in life,” he says with a smile.

On to college
Denise Scantlebury works for the Domestic Violence Unit of the Human Resources Administration. As a member of Clerical-Administrative Local 1549, she has taken full advantage of her Education Fund benefits. After a year-and-a-half in the dyslexia class, she went on to get her high school equivalency certificate and is now enrolled in the College of New Rochelle.

Only as an adult did she learn that she was dyslexic. “Basically, I thought I was stupid,” she said. Now, as a college student with a double major in sociology and communications, Ms. Scantlebury dreams of establishing a program for children who are victims of domestic violence. “Writing is still hard,” she said, “but the techniques I learned in the program have helped me a lot.”

The relationship between teacher and student is particularly close in this classroom. The gifted instructor helps her students catch their dreams. “When I came in, I felt so stupid,” said one student, unwilling to be identified. “The teacher has given me so much incentive to move forward and to feel good about myself. She’s my mentor, pushing me, making me feel good about myself, letting me know I can do it.”

Ms. Kuumba began teaching in the program in 1991. “The students inspire me because I once stood in their shoes. I had difficulty reading and I didn’t become aware of it until I was an adult,” she said. “We give them a chance to vent their feelings and they see they are not alone. A lot of them come to feel more comfortable with their families. Not only does the program educate, but it uplifts their spirits.”

DC 37 Education Fund Administrator Barbara Kairson points out that this is the only program run by a union for dyslexia in the workplace. The classes are based on “Starting Over,” a textbook by Joan Knight, who serves as a consultant.

The dyslexia program was the inspiration of Blue Collar Division Rep Bill Fenty, who learned he was dyslexic as an adult and brought the issue to Ms. Kairson. “I feel tremendous when I see members take advantage of the program,” he said. “I hope that we can expand the program. It would be great if other unions could develop similar programs.”