Student experience | Jurre on studying with DLD

With DLD (developmental language disorder), language is more difficult for me, especially reading and writing. So I find the subjects Dutch and English really difficult. I have to practice a lot to pass these subjects. Still, I am now in my third year of my education. And I am proud of that. I study at the Wood and Furnishings College (HMC) in Amsterdam and am studying Entrepreneurial Interior and Shipbuilding. Get inspired by the do’s and don’ts for supporting students with DLD and learn how you contribute to a more inclusive learning environment!

Finding the right place

Before I started my studies, I had an intake interview with the school’s care coordinator. In high school I already received extra support through a program at Kentalis. Before I was accepted at school, I had to do an assessment. The results were good. The school even wondered whether I would still have enough challenge.

Still, I knew for sure: I wanted to go to this school. If I have to read a lot, I quickly lose the thread. At this school I can work mainly with my hands. I have to read less and can do more. That suits me.

Support I need

Extra time on tests helps me a lot. During practical classes I don’t need support. There I seek the challenge myself, by choosing more difficult projects instead of standard assignments.

What will help me during my studies?

In my training I work a lot practically, and I like that. The theory books contain a lot of pictures and short texts. That helps me understand the material better. However, there are also difficult moments. On days with a lot of theory I am often completely tired when I get home. What helps me is extra time on tests, explanations that are demonstrated or drawn, and learning by doing.

What am I running into?

Not everything comes easily. I find it hard when I have little time on tests where I have to write and read a lot. Especially with English and Dutch, and with listening and reading tests. In the first year I was given extra time and counseling sessions. They kept an eye on me. After two periods these talks stopped, because the school preferred to spend this time on students who needed it more. I also notice that many people don’t really know what DLD is. As a result, sometimes they don’t understand me, and I find that very annoying. Online classes don’t work well for me either. I get distracted easily and don’t understand the explanations as well.

Support from the school

The school suits me well because I can do a lot of practical work. The theory is clear through the use of pictures and short texts. Still, the theory days are hard for me. I am very tired and feel empty when I get home. In addition, I travel 1.5 hours (one way) to school every day. That is long, but this training suits me. That is why I am willing to do it.

Doing an internship with DLD

I have done several internships in the Netherlands. I find internships fun and educational because I can really get involved there. At all the internship companies I have been to, they asked if I wanted to continue working there as a part-time job. Sometimes I told them that I have DLD and explained what that means and what I need. At my last internships, that was less necessary because I am getting better at my job and at how I deal with my DLD. My family is always supportive of me. We talk a lot about what goes well and what I can do differently next time. During internships, I notice that my strength is in doing. Employers take the time to explain something properly, and then I can start working independently. That gives me confidence.

Tips for students with DLD

I found high school really difficult. Sometimes it felt like survival and I didn’t like life. Nevertheless, I kept going. Studying with DLD is hard sometimes. But it can be done. If you find the right place, get the right help and keep believing in yourself, you can get further than you think. Keep looking for what suits you. There is always something you like and something you are good at.

My message: don’t give up!