How to cope in the workplace when you have a Severe Visual Impairment disability combined with Dyslexia and ADHD? What are the challenges one may face? And how do we overcome those challenges?

“Dyslexia is not a pigeonhole to say you can’t do anything. It is an opportunity and a possibility to learn differently. You have magical brains; they just process differently. Don’t feel like you should be held back by it.” – Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice Elizabeth Mary of York

“When someone helping you gets frustrated, don’t let them. Take a step back, because you can’t learn anything under pressure. And don’t worry about the label “– Erin Brockovich, lawyer and advocate.

Introduction

Aziza Finkel is a Human rights Advocate and Case Manager at NESTAC, a charity which supports primarily migrant families (but not exclusively) presenting with specific needs, particularly those related to mental health. The charity tackles harmful socio-cultural beliefs, health inequality and Gender-Based Abuse, promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity through empowerment. Clients are encouraged to aspire in a better future, supported throughout their journey, advocating for them in the workplace and beyond, to enhance their quality of life.

Alan Farrell is a Revenues Officer for London Borough of Merton, And an Advocate for Equality and Diversity. He is visually impaired and has dyslexia and ADHD. Alan will share his personal struggles with mental health as a visually impaired person with learning difficulties within the workplace, and how Aziza’s support using work/life balance strategies helps improve his work productivity and overall happiness in the workplace.

Session Outline

The session will share Alan’s experience as a severely visually impaired person working as a Revenues Officer and how he copes with his neurological conditions in the workplace on a daily basis. The aim of the session is to share Alan’s journey throughout this time and specifically from October 2020 to date, when he met his current Case manager (Aziza Finkel). Together, they will discuss the challenges they faced and the techniques they used to overcome challenges and enhance Alan’s performance, statistics in the workplace. The session will further highlight the impact of ‘assisted aid technology’ on Alan’s visual impairment and on his neurological conditions. Finally, further recommendations will be given to help other people suffering from dyslexia and ADHD, who may face similar challenges on a daily basis.

Outcome of the session

It is expected that by the end of this session you will gain:

• A key understanding of the role of a Case Manager.
• The importance of effective communication between the Case manager (Aziza)and the client supported (Alan).
• Awareness on how to create a safe space to openly communicate with clients who experience similar challenges (Dyslexia and ADHD), or multiple mental and physical impairments.
• Knowledge around how work/life balance strategies can enhance your overall quality of life.

Book your free place here.