Just under 18% of Irish Adults have a below level 1 literacy level. That's the level at which they are functionally illiterate.
I was 8 before I could read in any meaningful way and I still can't spell very well. I was in what was called "Remedial English" in Primary School which meant I had one on one classes for a few months with a teacher when I was in First Class. My children are dyslexic and on the autism spectrum and so am I, which should come as no surprise to anyone who reads my posts here. All of my children are doing well with 3 in College and one still in Secondary School but the levels of support they received were better than what I got, though really not adequate.
When I was in Primary school the response from teachers was that I was stupid and that I should be singled out, ridiculed and, on occasion beaten. That was in the middle class suburban Dublin in the late 70's and early 80's when corporal punishment has been banned. Due entirely to the teacher I had I can say that nothing that has happened to me since, including deaths of family members and a marriage breakdown, was as bad as being in Third and Fourth Class in Primary School.
I can only imagine what it was like for people who are now in their 60's, 70's and 80's.
So yes, some sympathy and understanding is appropriate for those who struggle with reading.