Dyslexia Awareness Month
October 1 - October 31
About Dyslexia Awareness Month
Dyslexia Awareness Month runs throughout October each year, raising understanding of dyslexia and championing the millions of people who experience it. The month encourages schools, employers, families, and communities to learn about this common learning difference, challenge stigma, and support better identification and teaching.
What is Dyslexia Awareness Month?
Dyslexia Awareness Month is a global campaign promoted by the International Dyslexia Association and partner organisations around the world. Dyslexia is a learning difference that mainly affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent reading and spelling, and it is not linked to intelligence. The month exists to share accurate information, highlight effective support, and celebrate the strengths and achievements of dyslexic people. It is aimed at teachers, parents, employers, policymakers, and anyone who wants to build a more inclusive society.
When is Dyslexia Awareness Month?
Dyslexia Awareness Month takes place throughout October 2026, running from Thursday, 1 October to Saturday, 31 October. It is observed every October. Within the month sit several key dates, including Dyslexia Awareness Week and World Dyslexia Awareness Day on 10 October, which draw extra attention to the cause.
Why Dyslexia Awareness Month Matters
Dyslexia is far more common than many people realise. The International Dyslexia Association estimates that as many as 15% to 20% of the population shows some symptoms of dyslexia, and it accounts for the majority of all learning differences. In a typical classroom of 25 children, several are likely to be affected. Despite this, dyslexia frequently goes unrecognised, leaving children and adults struggling without the right support. The evidence is encouraging where help is provided: with early, structured intervention, the great majority of dyslexic learners can reach grade-level reading. Raising awareness helps ensure people are identified sooner and given the tools to thrive at school, at work, and beyond.
How to Get Involved in Dyslexia Awareness Month
There are many ways to support the month, whether you are an individual, an educator, or an employer.
- Go red for dyslexia – Take part in the Go Red for Dyslexia campaign by wearing red and sharing photos to show solidarity and spark conversation.
- Learn the signs – Familiarise yourself with the common indicators of dyslexia so you can recognise when a child or colleague might need support.
- Make resources accessible – Use clear fonts, generous spacing, and audio or text-to-speech options to make reading materials easier for everyone.
- Share trusted information – Point people towards reputable organisations such as the International Dyslexia Association for accurate guidance.
- Champion early screening – Encourage schools to screen for reading difficulties early, when intervention is most effective.
- Celebrate strengths – Highlight the creativity, problem-solving, and big-picture thinking that many dyslexic people bring.
- Support workplace inclusion – Employers can review recruitment and training practices to make sure dyslexic staff are supported and valued.
- Attend or host an event – Join webinars, talks, and school activities, or organise your own to spread understanding in your community.
History of Dyslexia Awareness Month
Dyslexia has been studied for well over a century. The condition was first described by the German physician Oswald Berkhan in 1881, and the term “dyslexia” was coined a few years later by the ophthalmologist Rudolf Berlin. Over the following decades, researchers and educators developed a clearer understanding of how dyslexia affects reading and how it can be supported.
The International Dyslexia Association, which traces its origins to 1949, became a leading force in research, advocacy, and teacher training. The organisation established October as Dyslexia Awareness Month to focus attention on the cause each year, providing resources for families, schools, and workplaces across the world.
Today the month is marked internationally, with national associations, charities, schools, and libraries running events and campaigns throughout October. The Go Red for Dyslexia movement has become a recognisable symbol of solidarity. If you want to mark the cause on a single focused day, you might also note World Dyslexia Awareness Day on 10 October.
Noteworthy Facts About Dyslexia
- As many as 15% to 20% of the population shows some symptoms of dyslexia, according to the International Dyslexia Association.
- Dyslexia accounts for the majority of all identified learning differences.
- Dyslexia is not related to intelligence; many dyslexic people are highly creative and successful.
- With early, structured intervention, the large majority of dyslexic learners can achieve grade-level reading.
- The term “dyslexia” was coined in the 1880s, building on the work of physician Oswald Berkhan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dyslexia Awareness Month?
Dyslexia Awareness Month is a global campaign held every October to raise understanding of dyslexia, reduce stigma, and improve support for the millions of people who experience it.
When is Dyslexia Awareness Month in 2026?
Dyslexia Awareness Month runs throughout October 2026, from Thursday, 1 October to Saturday, 31 October.
Who created Dyslexia Awareness Month?
The month is promoted by the International Dyslexia Association, a long-established organisation dedicated to research, advocacy, and teacher training around dyslexia.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing Dyslexia Awareness Month with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #DyslexiaAwarenessMonth and #GoRedForDyslexia on social media. The more people who understand dyslexia, the sooner those who need support can receive it.
Related Awareness Days
- Dyslexia Awareness Week – A focused week within October dedicated to dyslexia awareness and support.
- World Dyslexia Awareness Day – Marked on 10 October to draw global attention to dyslexia.
- Learning Disability Week – Highlights the experiences of people with learning disabilities and differences.
Links
- Visit the International Dyslexia Association website
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
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