Zaid
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
Zaid has a young daughter who has Irlen syndrome and dyslexia.
Zaid’s daughter struggles with reading and spelling and the school has put her in a ‘different reading group for more small group attention’. This is the only support it offers because dyslexia is not recognised as a disability in his state.
‘Why is dyslexia not recognised as a disability?’ Zaid asks. ‘It’s a real thing … I can see the struggle is real.’
His daughter can use an iPad and functions quite well until it comes to reading tasks. This impacts other subjects like maths, ‘as you have to read to understand what is going on’.
‘Surely dyslexia should be recognised as a disability in the Australian school system!’ Zaid says.
‘Parents aren’t going out and getting tests and expensive glasses for their kids for the fun of it … This condition will restrict her options in life which is shattering to comprehend when your child is so young.’
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.