Work Dyslexia Awareness Day is just around the corner, and we wanted to shed some light on some resources that can help aid children in education with the help of our own advocate – National Account Manager, James de-Wit. James has kindly shared his personal experience to help raise awareness and provide insight into what tools and resources are available to help children in schools.

Key dates for the diary:

• Dyslexia Awareness Month - October 2025
• World Dyslexia Awareness Day - 8 October 2025
• Dyslexia Awareness Week - 6-12 October 2025

First things first – James, what is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning difficulties, affecting around 1 in 10 people in the UK, including both children and adults. Often misunderstood, it primarily impacts reading, writing, and spelling, but it is not related to intelligence. In fact, many people with dyslexia demonstrate strengths in creativity, problem-solving, and big-picture thinking.

Though it presents challenges with processing written language, dyslexia is neurological in origin and frequently runs in families (particularly in my situation). With the right support, including early identification, tailored teaching strategies, and assistive tools, it does not have to be a barrier to learning or achievement.

Creating inclusive environments that recognise and accommodate dyslexia is key to helping individuals reach their full potential in education, the working world and beyond.

When were you diagnosed, and what challenges have you faced?

All through school, I found learning really difficult. I was often in the bottom sets for Maths and English, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t seem to keep up. When I failed all of my GCSEs, it felt like a major setback - but I wasn’t ready to give up. I kept pushing forward and eventually made it to university. It was in my first year that one of my lecturers noticed I might have an undiagnosed learning difficulty. With their support, I got assessed and finally understood why I’d always struggled.

Reading is still something I find tough, and word blindness can be a real barrier at times. Spelling isn’t my strongest point either, so I usually avoid writing things down unless it’s just for me. These challenges can be frustrating, but I’ve learned to be self-aware and honest about my weaknesses. Instead of letting them hold me back, I try to find ways around them.

With the rise of computers, laptops, and smarter ways of working, I’ve been able to find tools that make things a lot more manageable. Technology has really helped me turn what used to feel like flaws into things I can work with, not against.

In the end, receiving the right support was life changing. It gave me the confidence and tools I’d been missing growing up. Thanks to that, I not only went on to complete my master’s degree, but I also worked many successful jobs and today I am proud to be working as National Account Manager at ESPO.

What kind of support did you have growing up?

Growing up was challenging, especially as there wasn’t the same level of awareness or understanding around dyslexia as there is today. When I finally received an official diagnosis, everything began to change. The support I was given made a huge difference - from simple tools like a blue overlay that stopped the words from jumping on the page, to computer programmes that could read back what I’d written. For the first time, learning felt possible.

Now, in 2025, we live in a much more understanding and inclusive world. I’ve seen this first-hand through my daughter, who is also dyslexic. Her experience has been completely different from mine; she’s receiving the right support early on, and it’s made such a positive impact. It’s encouraging to see how far we’ve come in recognising and supporting neurodiversity.

What resources are available for those with dyslexia today? 

Support for dyslexia has improved significantly since I was growing up. While some individuals develop their own coping strategies, many benefit greatly from targeted resources, tools, and learning aids. Ensuring these supports are readily available within educational settings is essential, as they can profoundly impact a child’s learning and development.

To help, we have compiled a selection of recommended resources designed to support learners with dyslexia, as well as the teachers who work with them. This collection includes everything from visual aids and dyslexia-friendly books to practical classroom tools; all aimed at creating a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

Thanks for taking the time to read my story, I hope it offers some insight into dyselxia and inspires other who face similar challenges. If you have any enquiries regarding our resources to support dyslexia, please get in touch with our friendly Customer Services team on the details below:

Customer Services team

e: support@espo.org

t: 0116 265 7901