When it was time to read I used to say, "I don't have my glasses," or "the light is too dim," or "I don't have time to read it." That's because I had a reading problem. My name is Rubert and this is my story.

Learning to read is fun.
I am in my 50's and for me it opens doors and is an opportunity to learn more.

In 2004 I didn't know how to read more than two and three letter words, even those words were hard for me.
I didn't even know anything about computers.

My tutor started me with Phonics. It was hard the first day. It took a while for me to understand it.

One of my problems that I had was I didn't know the long or short sounds of the vowels a, e, i, o, u and y.
Thanks to my tutor, I understand them today.

Then one day it clicked and I could see words inside words.
For example you have the word "that" inside that word I see a, at, hat and that is what I see.

How did I learn about computers?
One day I wrote a letter to a friend down in Florida and I asked my tutor “how can I send the letter by computer?” My tutor opened up an email account for me and that started a big Quantum Leap for computers in my life.

I started to go to the Library and used their computers until I could buy one and that is how I learned.
Today I have three computers and I am learning how to fix them.

Today I speak in front of people about my literacy.
Remember I am in my 50's and it's never too late to learn.

If I can do it, you can do it. All it takes is patience.
If you know anybody that can't read, then reach your hand out and help them learn.

There is a program called Dragon Naturally Speaking that helps me learn, when my tutors and friends are too busy to help me.
Remember you have to give 100% if you really want to learn how to read.

Go into my links and see the tools that help me.

Today I have a website to encourage people to read; come and see it- www.rubertsleapinreading.com