29/10/2023
Story about someone who struggled in school.
Story by Janet McCormack.
I struggled in school. In elementary school I had special support, in high school I got good grades, but I had to work hard. In college I put off all the reading until the last minute because it was so hard to remember what I read.
Years later I was at a conference, and the workshop I wanted to attend was full. Instead, I was put into one about reading by colours. I thought that sounded like the most ridiculous idea but I went anyway and sat at the back with my skeptic hat on because how could colour possibly make a difference to how people read? I did not relate to any of the stories of what people saw words doing on the page like moving or blurring, etc.
My interest peaked when Adel, the Specialist, talked about trouble with depth perception and light. As people were filing out at the end of the workshop, I asked how I would know if the lenses would work for me. Adel had me try some coloured lenses while I looked out the window at a parking lot below. I was shocked at what I saw! The white van, three stories down, had sharp and not blurry edges. I could see the lines on the road and they didn't move. I was convinced this was for me.
At the screening session, I cried when I had the correct overlay on the page as I saw that the words stayed still. I didn't take my eyes off my overlays as it was so relaxing to look at the wonderful blue colour on the page. I learned that in fact the words did move and jiggle. It had just been the way I always saw things and I never knew it was wrong until using the overlays. they stopped
For the first 30 years of my life I was motion sick all the time. Different coloured pens made me nauseous and sunny days hurt. I was always trying to find the right sunglasses. I have been wearing Irlen glasses for over 20 years now and I owe it all to a workshop mix up. Driving is easier, the lines on the road no longer stab me in the eye and the sun is now gorgeous. I can think better with my glasses on, and I remember more of what I read.
To find a screener near you contact Irlen Canada on Facebook to learn how colour and light may be impacting you or your child.
