In some fire stations where members are outspoken about their dyslexia, an over-representation of dyslexia has been noted. Why is this? Firefighting is a intensely active profession where strengths of situational awareness, dynamic spatial problem solving, and teamwork all come together. Firefighting especially demands M-strengths (material reasoning), I-strengths (interconnected reasoning), and D-strengths (dynamic reasoning). In the United Kingdom, one Fire District conducted a Dyslexia Awareness program that included testing, workplace coaching, and assistive technology. They’ve identified over 70 individuals in their program so far. Dyslexic firefighters often don’t have much difficulty with the actual job of firefighting. Instead, they have trouble with timed test taking required for promotion or the paperwork and paper-based data analysis required for reporting. Here in the US, Frank Ricci is […]
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