Carlow Native set to feature on RTÉ documentary focusing on dyslexia called 'Lost For Words'

Lost for Words, a new documentary that showcases inspiring portraits of Irish people of all ages with dyslexia, who are overcoming challenges and unlocking their potential through proper care, patience and empathy will air on Wednesday September 18th, 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. It will feature Carlow local, Róisín Lowe.

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Produced by Subotica and RTÉ, this documentary was inspired by a radio interview with hotelier John Brennan, who spoke openly about having dyslexia and his desire to make the workplace more inclusive for brains that think differently. John shares his story
in the documentary, alongside other individuals who navigate life with dyslexia. From primary school pupils to talented teenagers, to adults who have excelled in their chosen field of work, this programme presents intimate portraits of life with dyslexia,
a condition that affects 10% of the Irish population.

Speaking in the documentary, John comments: "The day I left school, and went on the vegetable truck was the happiest day of my life, because I was away from that prison of books and learning, which just didn't suit me well to relax...When you’re a young
person you’re constantly being challenged by the only game in town, which is school."

Among those who feature in the programme are primary school teacher Róisín Lowe from Carlow also describes how she overcame many stigmas and prejudices to qualify as a teacher. Dyslexia is a learning difference that effects people in a variety of ways and
Lost for Words depicts their struggles, as well as their triumphs.

Other contributors include Hannah Daly, an occupational therapist and author of the book
Knowing No Boundaries, and champion swimmer Dylan Gunn a fifth-year secondary school pupil in Middleton, Cork, Jean O’Donoghue from the Traveller Visibility Group in Cork and Dr. Keith Murphy a lecturer in Social Policy for TU Dublin, Tallaght.

The documentary also features the staff and children of Catherine McAuley National School, a specialist reading school in Dublin city centre that provides two-year intensive placements for children with severe dyslexia. Principal Neasa Sheahan provides an insight
into the importance of reading schools, and states that often, the most important lesson taught is to how to rebuild a child's self-esteem. Mainstream education can often leave children with dyslexia feeling different and ‘stupid’.
Lost for Words illustrates that dyslexia has no correlation to intelligence, and that early intervention and support are crucial to help Irish children reach their full potential.

Lost for Words will air on Wednesday September 18th, 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ