Navigating Life with Dyslexia: Advice for Adults, Educators, and Advocates

We recently had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Tiffany Solomon to discuss the ripple effects of dyslexia, and how it impacts not just the classroom but also shapes lives, families, and the workplace.

Tiffany Solomon is the Family and Student Engagement Coordinator for Decoding Dyslexia Rhode Island, an Associate member of the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA), and was honored to serve as a Literacy Ambassador through the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) in 2019-2020.  She spent over a decade as a 2nd grade and kindergarten teacher at Highlander Charter School in Providence, Rhode Island. During this time, she was also a primary teaching member of Highlander’s weekly itinerant collaborative meetings, where she worked with the special education support team to implement specialized, evidenced-based strategies within her classroom to ensure success for students who learn differently. 

Tiffany holds a Master’s degree in Education, Teaching, and Learning from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Dyslexia doesn’t disappear in adulthood, it evolves. Whether navigating the workplace, managing daily life, or advocating for oneself, adults with dyslexia face unique challenges that require persistence, support, and strategic tools. Our conversation with Tiffany highlighted real-life experiences, practical advice, and ways educators can create a supportive learning environment for students with dyslexia.

Finding Your People and Advocating for Yourself

One of the most important pieces of advice for adults with dyslexia is to find your people, those who support, encourage, and help navigate daily literacy challenges. In the workplace, this might mean colleagues who proofread emails or help organize thoughts into writing. More importantly, it means feeling safe enough to advocate for yourself, to say, “I need more time” or “I work best with verbal instructions.” Overcoming the fear of speaking up is a challenge, but it’s crucial for success.

Tiffany with her tutor and founding fellow at OGA, Helaine Schupack.

The Emotional Side of Dyslexia

Dyslexia often carries an emotional burden. Many adults recall the shame and frustration of struggling to read or write in public settings. In the workplace, the fear of being judged as lazy or incompetent can be overwhelming. Creating environments where dyslexic individuals feel safe to take risks, whether in school or work, makes a significant difference.

Technology as a Lifeline

Assistive technology has made life easier for many adults with dyslexia. Tools like Grammarly help with writing, but even with spell-checking, having a trusted person review important documents is still essential. AI-based tools and voice-to-text applications are emerging as additional supports, but learning how to use them effectively takes time. Asking for meeting agendas ahead of time, utilizing Zoom or recorded meetings instead of relying solely on written communication, and advocating for accommodations can make a significant impact.

Supporting Dyslexic Students in the Classroom

For educators, understanding that dyslexia is not laziness is key. Struggling students often hear that they “lack effort,” when in reality, they are mentally exhausted from working twice as hard to process reading and writing tasks. Teachers who are observant and adaptable can make a lasting difference. Strategies like:

• Providing graphic organizers tailored to a student’s needs
• Allowing students to verbally express their ideas before writing
• Encouraging self-advocacy by asking, “What do you need from me?”
• Creating a safe learning space where mistakes are part of the process

The Power of High Expectations and a Supportive Environment

Students with dyslexia are intelligent, capable, and determined, but they need time, encouragement, and tailored support to succeed. Holding high expectations while providing necessary accommodations ensures that students feel both challenged and supported.

The biggest takeaway? Never give up. Dyslexia makes life harder, but with the right support system, whether teachers, coworkers, or family, success is always within reach.

For the full discussion, check out our latest episode of the Together in Literacy podcast. If you like what you hear, don’t forget to rate, leave a positive review, and subscribe!

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