Issue 28: Spotlight on Dyslexia Diaries | Katie Rebagliati and Suzanne Diermann

Suzanne Diermann

I’m a literacy specialist, interventionist, and activist. In my private literacy practice, I utilize Orton-Gillingham methodologies to help students of all ages overcome dyslexia. Over the years, I’ve built strong, meaningful relationships with my students, having open conversations about what it’s like to live with dyslexia and how it affects them personally. I encourage them to share their honest struggles and successes, not only to inspire others but also to help fellow learners feel less alone.

I know that many of my students have never met another person with the same learning difference, which is when I began imagining a social media project that could give them a platform to share their authentic voices and allow others to truly hear them.

I’ll never forget when I asked one of my long-time students for some advice in helping me connect with a new student who was very reluctant to attend his sessions and put in much effort. He said, “Just tell him that Mondays and Wednesdays are my favourite days because I come to see you and you have taught me everything that I know!” It melted my heart and brought tears to my eyes.

As he began middle school, he was no longer on an IPP because he had met all of his benchmarks. He was very open and proud to let his teachers know that he is dyslexic. When they would ask him to read aloud in class or present something, he would let them know they had put him on the spot, but then say, “You know I’m dyslexic, but it’s ok, I am able to do it all because of my reading teacher. She taught me everything, so don’t worry!”

Another student, after having finished his intervention work with me, wrote me a lovely card that said, “Thank you so much for lighting a spark in me. I hated reading before I came to you, but now my closet is filled to the brim with books.”

As a former classroom teacher, I often reflect on the many students I misunderstood over the years. Looking back, I now realize that many of them were likely dyslexic, but at the time, I lacked the knowledge and tools to truly support and understand them. Today, my goal is to help current educators by sharing small, easy-to-digest pieces of information, along with stories, myths, and truths about dyslexia that can encourage reflection and spark meaningful conversations with colleagues, administrators, and parents. It is essential to remove the hesitation and mystery that too often surrounds discussions about dyslexia.

It is essential to remove the hesitation and mystery that too often surrounds discussions about dyslexia.

All of these realizations and the touching, funny, and sometimes poignant stories my students shared made me realize how important it was for others to hear their voices. I was also inspired by well-known personalities who, in interviews or podcasts, would casually mention being dyslexic but rarely expand on how it shaped or motivated them. I found myself thinking, We need to hear more. Others could draw inspiration and feel a sense of connection through these stories. How did dyslexia influence the journeys of Gwen Stefani, Mel Robbins, or Jamie Oliver? This is where Katie Rebagliati came in!

Katie is a close friend of my daughter’s. She’s social media savvy, clever, creative, and brimming with innovative ideas. I pitched the concept to her, and in May 2025, we launched our passion project: Dyslexia Diaries. I gathered the initial content, and Katie brought it to life online through her thoughtful design and post ideas.

Katie Rebagliati

Hey! I’m Katie Rebagliati! Growing up with dyslexia wasn’t always easy. Sometimes teachers doubted me, but I always bounced back stronger and ready to take on the next challenge. I followed my passion to SAIT, where I studied broadcast media, wrote stories, reported on school events, and nailed reading from the teleprompter!

I have many good and bad memories growing up in the public school system. When I was in grade ten, I was designated to a high academic school, where I didn’t fit in. I was placed in a lower-level English class, and it felt clear from the start that I was behind. My friend and I both struggled, but it was nice that we had each other. We wanted to do better, but keeping up with the work and the everyday life in high school felt like climbing uphill every single day.

I often asked my English teacher for help, like how to say certain words, how to spell them, and how to make sense of the assignments. The teacher was also very against using any assistive technology to help me. When I would explain to her that it wasn’t because I wanted to take time out of her class, it was because I wanted to learn and keep up with the class, she still didn't seem to like me asking.

We wanted to do better, but keeping up with the work and the everyday life in high school felt like climbing uphill every single day.

One day, during class, I casually asked her for help with a few words that I couldn’t spell, with my friend beside me. She looked at us and said in a sharp, mad and almost sassy voice, “You’re a waste of my time. You’ll end up working in a garage and a useless job anyway.” My stomach dropped. It wasn’t just about English anymore. It was about being told I wasn’t worth helping. And I felt uncomfortable and almost useless to the world. But the good thing is, I love to prove people wrong when they doubt me. I can’t wait for the day she sees my face on a billboard!

I love to prove people wrong when they doubt me. I can’t wait for the day she sees my face on a billboard!

Now, I get to bring all that energy to my job in media and promotions at a radio station, where I also have a blast promoting the station at fun events. On top of that, I’m proud to help create bright, inspiring content for Dyslexia Diaries, sharing ideas that lift up the dyslexic community and celebrate our unique strengths. I truly believe every challenge is a chance to shine, and I’m all about helping others find their sparkle too.

Dyslexia Diaries

Since launching, Dyslexia Diaries has steadily grown its following across both platforms, and in July 2025, we were invited onto Kimberlynn Lavalle’s podcast, Decoding Learning Differences. It was such an exciting experience. Kimberlynn not only promoted our page but also gave us space to share our background, our reasons for starting this project, and our hopes for its future. We were so delighted that she asked us to be on an episode; we had never been on a podcast before. She made us feel immediately comfortable, and the conversation flowed so naturally.

Through Dyslexia Diaries, we work to challenge misconceptions. On Myth Mondays, we bust common myths about dyslexia, while Truth Tuesdays highlight accurate, empowering information. Every Thursday, our I Wish My Teacher Knew series features personal stories, tips, tools, inspirational quotes, videos, or messages for educators, parents, and fellow dyslexic individuals. We are working on starting a new series of posts in the coming weeks and months. We are also eliciting relevant content from our immediate community and followers.

Since launching, Dyslexia Diaries has steadily grown its following across both platforms.

Looking ahead, we want to expand our reach and invite more people from the broader community to share their stories and perspectives. We’re also planning to take part in Dyslexia Canada’s annual Mark It Read for Dyslexia campaign in October. One of our aspirations is to connect with some well-known athletes, entertainers, and/or media personalities who have dyslexia and offer them a platform to tell their stories. Maybe one day we will find a high-profile ambassador to help champion the cause and spread awareness even further.

Extracts from Dystinct Magazine