Keys to Success
The following tips were taken from interviews with hundreds of persons with LDs who have succeeded.
Understand Your Learning Disability:
- know how to describe your LDs to teachers and to employers without relying on professional jargon
- determine how and when you learn most effectively
- identify accommodations that help you operate more efficiently at school and on the job
- learn about when, where, and how to seek appropriate support
- think about the strengths and assets you may have developed because of your LDs (e.g. perseverance, creative problem solving, and determination)
Develop Helpful Life Skills:
- practise creative and assertive ways to advocate for yourself
- learn how to use computers and other helpful technological assists
- write down specific goals to help keep you on track
- develop the best time and stress management systems
- learn to accept constructive criticism and don't permit negative feedback to deter you
- remain flexible in exploring alternative learning strategies
- nurture relationships with friends, family, or professionals to exchange support, encouragement, and important feedback
Plan Your Career:
- don't let other people put a ceiling on your career goals
- learn about how your skills, interests, and personality relate to career options
- seek out opportunities for work shadowing, cooperative work terms, and volunteer experiences
- participate in extracurricular activities and summer jobs that foster skills, confidence, career knowledge, and important contacts
- research appropriate career information to make informed and timely choices
- develop creative and effective job search skills
- be informed about employment equity and human rights legislation
- contact employment equity officers to discuss equity goals, policies, and procedures of specific companies
Remember:
- maintain optimism and hope
- work hard to achieve goals and persevere over obstacles
- don't be deterred if it takes longer to reach objectives
- many people don't understand learning differences and jump to the wrong conclusions
- people with LDs are entitled to educational and job equity
Counselling & Disability Services (CDS)
Tel: 416-736-5297
Location: N110 Bennett Centre for Student Services
