Ted Midgely has overcome dyslexia to learn how to read as an adult. Midgely, who left school at 15 without the ability to read, has now undergone lessons and can read a copy of Speedway Star magazine he has held onto for 40 years. He had left a “special school” at 15 but went to work in a textile factory instead, with his inability to read leading to difficulties messaging and sending emails.
Midgely’s love of speedway led to meeting professional motorcyclist Brayden Elliot with his eye set on becoming his manager. This goal required him to be able to read emails and use a computer. Reading specialists at Read Easy Derby and District took on the challenge of teaching Midgely to read, twice a week for half an hour. Duncan Livsey, one of the Read Easy Derby teachers, noticed Midgely’s positivity which played a part in his accelerated progress, but emphasised that many people are afraid to seek help.
The 58-year-old is proud of his achievements in conquering dyslexia. He maintains that the “only thing [he] could spell was [his] name,” but Midgely has now learnt to read complex words and found a greater understanding of what he is reading. He now works for Joe Hughes International in Allenton, Derby, a company that produces speedway parts. Midgely’s success is just a part of a bigger picture as Livsey explained that there are “thousands of people in Derby, hundreds of thousands across the country who either can’t read at all or who have got real big barriers.”
Despite his early struggles with dyslexia, it is Midgely’s love of speedway that helped him accomplish his goal of learning to read. Becoming Elliot’s manager is a possibility, as Midgely gains more skills and confidence. His story can serve as an inspiration to adults who want to learn, yet feel stifled by their own barriers. The affair is proof enough that, no matter how old someone is, there are always new opportunities to learn new skills
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