RFDB Member Profile: Ian Willis
 
The word success has a new spelling ... meet I-A-N! When Ian was in the first grade, an alert and compassionate teacher worked to find the source of Ian's difficulties. She wasn't willing to label him with laziness or slowness; instead, she helped to find real answers. As a result, Ian was diagnosed early with dyslexia and dysgraphia. His family vowed to find him the best help available. 

That's when RFB&D® arrived on the scene, and Ian has flourished ever since. His mom, Bridget, credits his early diagnosis, and RFB&D's services, with greatly minimizing Ian's struggles and frustrations. She says that one of the first big differences was that Ian began reading for pleasure. Initially, his friends were just starting to read the Harry Potter books and he couldn't really share their excitement. But, "Once he received his first Harry Potter disc," Bridget says, "he wouldn’t put his Telex Scholar away!"

From there, his excitement for reading and learning grew. No longer is his self-esteem battered from his fight with the written word. His confidence has grown and his dad, Stewart, says, "It has enabled him to be more independent with his homework and reading. He is also able to keep up on all the books that the other kids in his class read." Before RFB&D, Ian's parents needed to read his textbooks to him, "He really hated that," said Bridget. "He said it made him feel like a baby."

Ian says, "I do use RFB&D to read for fun. I used to not like to read books just for the heck of it. It would take way too long to finish. Now that I have the CD player, I can read books just for fun, and there are a lot of books for me to choose from, too. I really like being able to pick the books I like."

He is also doing well at keeping up with his literature course. Choosing a book from RFB&D's "endless catalog," he’s always able to find a book that "captures his interest." He's read about hunting for mummies, the Underground Railroad, World War II soldiers and Arlington National Cemetery.

Ian's success has had a positive impact on his entire family. What advice do his parents have for others? "Never stop looking for ways to help your child. You are your child's best advocate. No one will fight with the same energy and conviction that you can." And they remind us that our children are "conquering real-world issues at a young age and learning perseverance that they will put to use every day as adults."

"Before RFB&D it was pretty hard to get my reading done. Now it’s a lot easier," says Ian. "I can listen to the CDs anywhere, just like a book, but I can read so much faster now."

Editor's Note: Thank you to writer Jacque Stonehocker and RFB&D's South Carolina State Director Libby Anne Inabinet for introducing us to Ian’s story. 
© 2007, Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission from Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, Inc.