Whoopi Goldberg in her youth struggled with learning; labeled “dumb” and “lazy” she became a high school dropout at the age of 17. With low self-esteem, she became involved in drugs. Yet remarkably she overcame all this to have the most amazing career as an actress, comedian, television host and author. She has won an Emmy Award, a Grammy Award, an Academy Award, and a Tony Award.
What were Whoopi’s Keys to success?
Her quote “Normal is nothing more than a cycle on a washing machine.” Whoopi Goldberg
When Goldberg realized she had learning dyslexia and it prevented her from succeeding in school it was life changing for her.
When asked how she thinks her dyslexia affected her, Goldberg says, “I think perhaps it made me more introspective. Made me more thoughtful, maybe slightly slower in how I do things because it takes me a minute sometimes to figure things out.” She also says how thinking differently has helped her succeed.
Fortunately for Goldberg, she had a mother who told her that she wasn’t stupid and could grow up to be and do anything she wanted. She herself realized she couldn’t be stupid because, as she says, “If you read to me, I could tell you everything you read.” She says she still likes to be read to. Her mother’s attitude, coupled with her own determination, took her off welfare and drugs and drove her to succeed.
Source: Whoopi Goldberg Speaks Up About Dyslexia at Annual Adam Katz Memorial Conversation
Whoopi Goldberg is one example of many who struggle with learning and have been labeled as “dumb” or “lazy”.
Unfortunately, even in 2014, the statistics show that high school students with Learning Disabilities, dyslexia dropout rate on average is higher and their graduation rate is 20 percent lower than the national average (source: https://www.ncld.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/2014-State-of-LD.pdf)
Dyslexia is a complex disorder not fully understood, stigmatized and misunderstood in many schools. Approximately 25%-40 % of children with ADHD also have dyslexia. (According https://www.dyslexia-reading-well.com/dyslexia-statistics.html)
Dyslexia is not a reflection of an intelligence
1 out of 5 individuals suffers from dyslexia. In the USA about 40 million people suffer from dyslexia. Students who suffer from learning disabilities dyslexia often report feeling dumb as children affecting their self-esteem and school performance. Often they report being bullied by their classmates. They struggle to read fluently, spell words correctly and experience difficulties learning a second language. Some People with dyslexia have trouble matching the letters they see on a page.
On the bright side, many dyslexics compensate for their disability in other ways and go on to achieve great things. They are motivated by the desire to prove to their family, friends, and public that they are indeed not dumb. They develop other skills and talents in the arts, sports and innovative ways of thinking. They become inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
Advocacy and Awareness
Whoopi Goldberg realizing that often young adults with learning disabilities do not discover why they are failing in schools can end up frustrated, turn to drugs or crime, suffer from low self-esteem and it becomes a lifelong struggle for them. She became an activist for learning disability (LD) dyslexia awareness promoting a campaign that students can succeed with help in school for their learning disabilities dyslexia
Some other celebrities who suffered from LD dyslexia as Whoopi Goldberg such as Steven Spielberg, Anderson Cooper, Keira Knightley, Sir Richard Branson and John Chambers join her today in promoting awareness and advocating for the rights for students with learning disabilities.
Know Your Rights
Many people with learning disabilities have the desire and ability to do great things but often find it difficult to be productive and suffer from a social deficit due to low self-esteem. They face challenges, in time management, organization, goal setting, and prioritization. Knowledgeable and informed parents, teachers and mentors will help them develop their talents and skills to succeed just as Whoopi Goldberg.
Learning Disability Tips for Parents
- Share with them stories of successful individuals with Learning Disabilities/Dyslexia to inspire them.
- Kids who feel supported by their parents and teachers have a better chance to succeed. Support and encouragement build self-esteem.
- Learn to recognize your Child’s Strengths.
- Set realistic goals for your child.
- Teach Them How to Help Themselves and Speak Up.
Click here for more questions and answers for parents and adults with learning disabilities and dyslexia.