What is dyslexia awareness month?
As well as the return of pumpkin spiced everything, October marks the annual celebration of dyslexia awareness month: a time dedicated to shining a spotlight on what it means to be dyslexic, raising the profile of those living with dyslexia, and fostering a sense of pride and possibility within the global dyslexia community. During dyslexia awareness month, families, educators, professionals, and individuals join together to challenge misconceptions, beat the persistent stigma, and promote positive change.
…But it goes a little deeper than that.
Dyslexia awareness month is a celebration, but it’s also an intentional period for raising the profile of dyslexic achievements, sharing stories, and making sure nobody is left behind due to lack of understanding or support. Yes, it’s a season filled with activities, events, resources, and conversations across the US and beyond, but the name of the game is progress, with activities geared towards education, widening participation and that all-important shift the narrative away from dyslexia as something that has to impede somebody’s progress.
Dyslexia awareness month encourages everyone to look past the stereotypes and embrace neurodiversity as a vital part of our everyday lives—
Wait. It’s 2025. Do we still need a dyslexia awareness month?
That’s a fair question, actually.
Do we still need a dyslexia awareness month?The world has certainly changed for people with dyslexia in recent decades, and much for the better. There are more resources, a much higher level of support and understanding in schools and workplaces, and better reading support technology than ever before. Funding for research and interventions has grown, and the stigma once surrounding dyslexia is undeniably less present. Children are now being diagnosed earlier due to greater proliferation of information, and support options are more widely available.
There’s also increased visibility for neurodiversity movements to consider too. Dyslexia is now openly talked about in educational settings and online spaces, for one thing, which is very different to how things used to be a few short decades ago. And assistive tech and dyslexia-friendly approaches have found their footing in classrooms, with teacher training steadily improving alongside it.
Looking around, it’s easy to feel hopeful about the momentum and to think maybe we’ve arrived at an era where the annual focus of dyslexia awareness month isn’t as crucial as it may have been in years gone by.
…Here’s why it’s all still important.
And yet, despite all the progress we’ve made, dyslexia awareness month is still as vital as ever.
The fact remains that although things have got better, many millions of people with dyslexia continue to face barriers in education, employment, and everyday life. Discrimination, misunderstanding, and outdated ideas haven’t vanished: decreased, yes, but in some cases they simply take new forms, or persist as outdated information and workplace practice. And there are still gaps in policy, with support in some regions or workplaces being patchy at best.
And often, children and young people find themselves in schools where there simply isn’t extant resourcing or the frameworks to support them, or even working with care and education providers who still have an outdated picture of what dyslexia truly means. Adults can be overlooked for opportunities due to lingering misconceptions about ability. And not everyone has access to the right support at the right time: there’s work to do in making everyday communication and assessments friendly to dyslexic people across the board.
It isn’t just a month that’s all about shining a light on what’s going well.
Dyslexia awareness month is as much about keeping conversations going, ensuring equal access, fair treatment, and instilling lasting change as it is celebrating. So, yes, it is still important, even in 2025: until every classroom and workplace is truly inclusive, until stigma is gone, and until practical support is universal and accessible for all.
So how can you get involved with dyslexia awareness month?
Getting involved with dyslexia awareness month is much, much easier than you might think. Nobody’s asking you to arrange a parade short-notice, or raise a cool million for the SpLD education community in your local area (…although if you happen to have a spare million, I’m sure they’d be very grateful).
Here are some lively, practical ways to make some real impact this October!
Get some information or awareness posts out there!
Help raise the profile of dyslexia by amplifying messages from neurodiversity and dyslexia movements, experts, and teachers on your social media, and sharing their content! Raising awareness doesn’t always mean big, physical dramatic action—sometimes, sharing in your space or passing on helpful resources is enough to move the conversation forward, and it’s as simple as click to share.
Teachers have the experience to share some amazing stories…
Teachers have seen how amazing their dyslexic students can be. This dyslexia awareness month, think about sharing anonymized stories of dyslexic students who have inspired you, or write up your opinions on the EdTech and assistive tech tools that have made a real difference to students in your classroom
Support the folks making a difference in your own back yard
Many local dyslexia associations run on donations and volunteers. Find yours, and get your class or colleagues involved by organizing a non-uniform day or hosting a bake sale. Performing, volunteering or even setting up a donation point can help keep these agencies running strong, making sure people get access to the support and advocacy they need to thrive!
Take the lead on dyslexia awareness training
If you have decision-making control over budgets or training at work, consider looking into dyslexia awareness training during dyslexia awareness month. Great training myth-busts common misunderstandings, ensures nobody is discriminated against, and helps everyone feel valued. It also means hiring, onboarding and internal communications become truly accessible.
Bring conversations about dyslexia and neurodiversity into the classroom
If you’re a teacher, you might be able to find some time to chat with your students about neurodiversity this October. Why not run a form session or assembly about what dyslexia looks like, how it’s supported, and how it doesn’t mean being less intelligent or capable? Another important thing may be to let your pupils know that yours is a dyslexia-positive classroom, where support is available and every student can feel proud and included, even if they’re just wondering if they’re dyslexic or figuring things out.
Make reading support available for everyone who needs it
We’ll say it louder for the folks in the back: reading support isn’t just for those with a formal diagnosis. Ensuring every learner who needs it can access appropriate help—like reading pens or support software—breaks down barriers and normalizes assistive tech in classrooms. Many learners, especially since the pandemic, have ongoing reading needs, and everyone can benefit from fair access to support. Many companies even support schools by offering second-purchase or bulk discounts, so don’t forget to check out the options open to you.
We do happen to know of some quality reading support class packs…
Share your personal story
If you’re dyslexic, consider sharing your experience this dyslexia awareness month—on social media, with colleagues, or simply over coffee with friends. The lived experience is at the centre of positive change, and your story is valid and important, having the power to inspire someone else to take action or to find their own voice.
Continuing the conversation for future generations
So, bit of a whistle-stop tour. But we’ve learned that dyslexia awareness month isn’t just about today—it’s about what comes next. Engaging with activities and raising the profile of dyslexia in every way that you can keeps the narrative alive, ensures voices are heard, and maintains momentum so that progress doesn’t stall. The changes brought about by dyslexia awareness month filter through classrooms, workplaces, and communities, shaping attitudes for the next generation.
Passing on understanding and positivity is an investment in a kinder, more equal society, and makes room for pride, possibility and positive change.
Want to tackle the new school year in a fairer and more equitable way?
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