Jenny Sirianni

How do you tell your teachers that you have a learning disability? There are many ways to do this. Here are some of my personal favorites.

There's the direct approach, "My name is Jenny Sirianni and I have a learning disability." If that is too much of a challenge, then the "Jimmy Stewart took over my mouth technique" might work; "Well… I…ya see… gosh this is harder than I thought." Don't get it confused with the "Ronald Reagan approach:" "Well, you see , a , I don't know if I do or not." This might sound a lot like the "Bill Clinton system:" " I did not have sexual relations, I'm sorry, I thought that this was my impeachment trial. I don't know anything." When things get real bad, you might have to use the "Clint Eastwood method:" "If you don't give me my extended time, you'd better ask yourself, do you feel lucky, punk?" No matter which way you decide to tell you teachers, the point is to tell them. Remember that the squeaky wheel gets the extended time on tests.

I know that it is not easy to ask a teacher for the help that you need because sometimes teachers don't know that not every student learns the same. They also might not know about DSPS on campus and the services that they provide students. That is why you need to tell your teachers about your learning profile and the ways that you learn best. Some teachers will tell you that "You look normal to me." These words and others like them can be damaging to students with learning disabilities because they are very sensitive to words that act like a double &endash;edge sword to the heart and teachers need to know that what they say and do, or not do, can cause some serious damage to a student's self esteam.

I used to take a serious side to my learning disability until I realized that being dyslexic is fine, normal, and no one can take that away from me. I have learned to laugh at my learning disabilities and find the humor in the way that I have to do things.

For a very long time, I had very bad self esteam to the point where my life had no meaning and I did not really care about myself, but I realized that I can not let something like a learning disability take me down. I had to take over and have control of my life.

You have heard of the old saying: "What you don't know can't hurt you," This is not true for a learning disabled student. What you do know and don't do anything about can and will hurt you. Teachers need to know more about you. They are there to help you any way that they can. Let your teachers know about your learning disabilities and the assistance that you need to do well in their classes. Help them help you. Some teachers already know about DSPS and the services that they give and are more than willing to help you. If you have problems in talking to a teacher, ask a DSPS specialist and get some tips. Also try to find some humor with your learning disability. It may ease the pain. Remember that you are a unique person and you want to do well. Don't sell yourself short. Shine and share your talents. Thrive in the things that make you who you really are. Be yourself and no one else. Be positive and try your best in all that you do. Don't let anything get in the way of your future. You are special. You deserve the best, now go out there and get it!

Fall 2001