National Adult Literacy Database

November 9, 1998

Diane Drummond

Our story this week is a special event, because we are launching a learner's story on the Internet, and you can read her story as well as hear it, with the proper audio program as shown below.

Diane Drummond was born in Winnipeg in 1975. Because of her cerebral palsy and learning disabilities, she was told that she could never learn much and that her job options were very limited. When she first came to Winnipeg Volunteer Reading Aides she was described as extremely shy and unwilling to speak for herself. Now she is a very self-possessed, outgoing person, who is a strong advocate both for herself and for others. Initially, Diane worked one-on-one with a very able and caring tutor, who even gave a shower for her before her wedding two years ago. Diane has also attended WVRA's Literacy with an Employment Focus class, and has taken a child care course at Sturgeon Creek High School. Now working part-time in a day care, she hopes to be working full-time soon. Her hobbies are listening to music - and reading, of course!

Play an audio version of this story

Achievements

by Diane Drummond

My name is Diane, I have Cerebral Palsy as well as a learning disability. I came to Winnipeg Volunteer Reading Aides because I was told that to get a job I needed to upgrade my reading and writing skills. When I came to WVRA, my literacy skills were very poor. I was also very shy. By coming here, my skills have increased, and I have gained self-confidence and self-esteem.

Before I got help, I was told by my employment counsellor that if I did learn things, I would learn very little. I was then reading at about a Grade three level. Now I read at least a Grade 7 level, and I have learned to use a computer. I had a chance to see that counsellor recently, but I was afraid I would be too angry!

I was also advised not to try to work in the child care field because of my lack of reading and writing skills. I have been substituting at Lindenwoods Child Centre since 1995, as well as working there for two summers.

I have overcome my fear of asking for help, because if I hadn't asked for help, I wouldn't be able to write this as well as I did. I thank God for making me the person I am today.