Ellen's Story

About the Book

Ellen's Story is a testament of my persistent struggle for literacy, the crippling defeat I suffered in my adult life due to this problem, and the ultimate steps I needed to take toward triumph.

My story begins in England as World War II breaks out. As a victim of the times and of a society unaware of learning disabilities, I fell further and further behind in a system focused on only achievers. At the age of 18, contemplating a dim future as an ill-educated factory worker and bearing thoughts of suicide, I immigrated to Canada. But dreams of a new life of marriage, children and friendships never came to be; struggles with learning disabilities sabotaged every hope. My marriage failed, I sunk into a deep depression, and I tried to raise four children on welfare. Eventually, after intensive therapy, I was diagnosed with dyslexia and only grade 7 reading skills. Through the incredible support from the Victoria READ Society, a special school in B.C., I came to believe I could learn, and learn I did.

However, my triumphs came with more pain. Literacy problems had devastated my life and my relationships, and I felt an incredible fear knowing the lives I'd hurt. But then I learned I was far from alone; there were millions in Canada that were feeling the same shame and hopelessness that I was. What was the true number of people - particularly children - suffering as a result of this issue?

The terrible effects of literacy and numeracy problems on human health, wealth and happiness are unseen. The victims face lifelong shame, guilt and failure. I hope my story will open eyes to the real destruction of this hidden epidemic and give courage to those willing to come forward and attend classes. But more importantly, since less than 5% of adults with learning difficulties seek help, I hope my story will give courage and hope to others.

Please refer to preface for more regarding this silent devastation.

About the Author

Born in England in 1941 and one of eight children, I was sent to school knowing I would be factory fodder. Education was not important for what was considered, lower class people or the poor. No one could have foreseen the future as being able to read and write would be a matter of survival.

I immigrated at age eighteen with serious low literacy skills and a great deal of depression including an attempted suicide; believing I was leavin. all the pain behind. Eventually I married and for a longtime it was a safe place for me to be. However, the marriage did not last and I had to look for work. Being fired from two jobs because of my low academic skills, I gave up looking and lived on welfare for eight very long years. The suffering my four children went through at result of my not being able to help them with their school work was immeasurable and three of my children dropped out of high school. Through guilt and shame, my drinking escalated.

Many people with poor academic skill have short live jobs and short lived jobs is a very negative message. It is not uncommon for chemical abuse emotional disorder. violence. incarceration and poor dieting as result of low academic skills. It cost the tax payers into the billions annually. ask workmen's compensation board, ICBC, lawyers, doctors, hospitals, social services and even welfare.

I am but one person who touched the lives of my four beautiful children. How many children are out there who won't have the chance to walk down the street and feel like a whole human being, to have access to what is rightful theirs because of their parents guilt and shame. Canada is a country that I hold most dear to my heart and that is why I write this book because I believe that many canadians are unaware there are 12 Million people in this country who have and are suffering as I once did.