Darcey Gohring was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child. But she didn’t feel comfortable disclosing her dyslexia at work until she was a manager. She was scared that her co-workers in the editing and writing world would look at her work differently. Now, she teaches writing classes and is an editor at Zibby Magazine. 

When Darcey was diagnosed, her father didn’t believe that her dyslexia was real. He thought she just needed to “try harder.” This shame followed her into adulthood. And it made her worry about what her colleagues would think of her learning difference. But when she got her promotion, she realized that she didn’t need to worry. Now, as a manager and teacher, she supports others in being vulnerable and sharing their stories.  

Listen in to hear more about disclosure in the workplace, and how Darcey’s own life experience inspired her upcoming novel. 

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at thatjob@understood.org.  

Related resources

• Darcey’s Business Insider article: I hid my dyslexia at work for 25 years because I was tired of being labeled. Now I’m embracing it.
• Pros and cons of disclosing a disability to employers
• Dyslexia and creativity: What you need to know

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Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give