Dyslexia Awareness Month – October 1, 2026

Dyslexia Awareness Month
Categories:
Tags:
AwarenessEducational
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every October
Holiday emoji:
🧠

Dyslexia Awareness Month unfolds throughout October, dedicated to shedding light on this common learning difference. Join advocates, educators, and individuals in promoting understanding, challenging stigmas, and ensuring equitable support for those with dyslexia.

Want to sponsor Dyslexia Awareness Month? Learn how

Expected Dyslexia Awareness Month Deals

Throughout Dyslexia Awareness Month, many organizations and companies partner to raise funds and provide resources. Look for donation matching programs from brands like **Barnes & Noble**, who often highlight educational resources and inclusive books. Assistive technology companies, such as **Microsoft** and **Google**, may offer special promotions or free trials on tools designed to support dyslexic learners. Non-profits like the **International Dyslexia Association** and **Learning Ally** will run direct fundraising campaigns, often with corporate sponsors like **Target** or **Amazon** contributing to awareness and research. Expect special events, webinars, and educational material from various publishers and educational platforms. We will update this page with confirmed live opportunities as October approaches.

Platform Guide for Dyslexia Awareness Month

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #DyslexiaAwarenessMonth. Share facts, personal stories, and links to advocacy groups to spread accurate information.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #DyslexiaAwareness. Create a community event or share educational videos and infographics about dyslexia.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #DyslexiaAwarenessMonth. Post visually engaging content, such as myth-busting carousels, inspiring success stories, or recommended reading lists.

Social Media Tips for Dyslexia Awareness Month

Individuals

Educate yourself and others by sharing accurate information about dyslexia. Support advocacy groups, participate in local events, or simply engage in conversations to reduce stigma.

Creators

Produce content that demystifies dyslexia, showcases assistive technologies, or features interviews with dyslexic individuals. Use your platform to amplify voices and promote inclusive practices.

Brands

Launch a campaign that supports dyslexia research or education. Offer inclusive products or services, partner with non-profits for donation drives, or host a webinar featuring experts on the topic.

Organizations & Brands for Dyslexia Awareness Month

  1. International Dyslexia Association (IDA)

    Founded in 1949, the IDA is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with dyslexia, their families, and the communities that support them. It provides information, resources, and advocacy, working to improve literacy for all.

  2. Learning Ally

    Established in 1948, Learning Ally is a leading non-profit organization providing audiobooks and support for students with reading disabilities like dyslexia. They offer a comprehensive solution that includes human-read audiobooks and professional development for educators.

  3. Understood.org

    Understood.org is a non-profit organization that provides resources and support for parents of children with learning and thinking differences, including dyslexia. It offers personalized resources, community forums, and expert advice to help families navigate challenges.

  4. Microsoft

    A global technology leader, Microsoft has developed various assistive technologies, such as Learning Tools in Microsoft Word and Edge, to aid individuals with dyslexia. These tools help improve reading comprehension and writing skills through features like Immersive Reader.

  5. Barnes & Noble

    As the largest retail bookseller in the United States, Barnes & Noble often partners with educational initiatives. During Dyslexia Awareness Month, they may feature books by dyslexic authors or promote resources for struggling readers and their families.

  6. Lexia Learning

    Founded in 1984, Lexia Learning is a leading provider of literacy education programs, including structured literacy solutions designed to support students with dyslexia. Their evidence-based programs help develop foundational reading skills.

  7. Amazon

    The e-commerce giant Amazon offers a vast array of educational books, audiobooks, and assistive devices that can benefit individuals with dyslexia. They also support various charitable causes through programs like AmazonSmile.

Dyslexia Awareness Month Hero

Samuel T. Orton

Samuel T. Orton (1879–1948) was an American neuropathologist and psychiatrist who pioneered the study of dyslexia. He challenged the prevailing view that dyslexia was a visual problem, instead proposing it was a language-based learning difference. His work laid the foundation for multisensory teaching approaches, significantly influencing modern educational strategies for dyslexia.

History of Dyslexia Awareness Month

In addition to raising awareness, Dyslexia Awareness Month helps society understand dyslexia better, which in turn helps those with it. Participating organizations and associations host events and create resources that share information with employers, teachers, and civil society. The material highlights dyslexia, its related issues, identification, and how everyone can make adjustments to accommodate dyslexics. The month gets a lot of attention in the media, demonstrating the plight of dyslexic people and what they face daily.

In 1877, German neurologist Adolf Kussmaul was the first to identify a phenomenon called ‘word blindness.’ And 10 years later, a German physician coined the term ‘dyslexia’ to describe difficulties in reading. Over the years, countless studies have researched dyslexia, concluding it isn’t a disability at all, but those with it think differently. In 2002, M.R.I.s done by professionals at Yale University found that the brains of people with dyslexia worked differently as compared to ordinary people. In 2005, a gene related to dyslexia was discovered by the team working at Yale.

Dyslexia Awareness Month timeline

1877
Word Blindness

German neurologist Adolf Kussmaul coins the term ‘word blindness.’

1905
The First Report

W.E. Bruner publishes the first report on reading difficulties experienced by children in the U.S.

1930
The Word Becomes Commonly Used

The word ‘dyslexia’ is regularly used in texts and dialogue.

1985
The First State Dyslexia Law

Texas passes state law making schools test students for dyslexia and assist accordingly.

Dyslexia Awareness Month FAQs

When is Dyslexia Awareness Month?

Dyslexia Awareness Month 2026 runs throughout October, offering 31 days dedicated to understanding and supporting individuals with dyslexia. It’s a crucial time for education and advocacy.

How many people are affected by dyslexia?

Dyslexia is estimated to affect 10-20% of the global population, making it one of the most common learning differences. In the U.S., approximately 1 in 5 individuals show symptoms of dyslexia.

What is the economic impact of dyslexia?

The economic impact of dyslexia is significant, with studies indicating that untreated dyslexia can lead to lower educational attainment and reduced earning potential. Investing in early intervention can yield substantial long-term benefits.

Is dyslexia a learning disability or a learning difference?

While often categorized as a learning disability, many advocates prefer the term ‘learning difference’ for dyslexia. This framing emphasizes that it’s a variation in how the brain processes information, not a deficit in intelligence.

How to Observe Dyslexia Awareness Month

  1. Share your story

    If you or someone you know has dyslexia, share your journey with others. It will be truly inspirational.

  2. Attend an event

    Go to one of the many events hosted by the International Dyslexia Association (I.D.A.) across the United States.

  3. Learn about dyslexia

    Read and learn more about dyslexia. It is good to be aware and identify it and make things easier for dyslexics.

5 Facts About Dyslexics That Everyone Should Know

  1. The percentage

    Approximately 70% — 85% of children placed in special education for learning disabilities are dyslexic.

  2. They are more creative

    Dyslexics are creative and have higher levels of intelligence.

  3. Walt Disney was dyslexic

    Disney was diagnosed with dyslexia, which didn’t stop him from creating his massive empire.

  4. The right side of the brain

    Dyslexics use the right side of the brain more for processing information.

  5. The left-right conundrum

    Dyslexics don’t ‘see’ words backward, it’s the deficits caused by the interpretation of left and right.

Why Dyslexia Awareness Month is Important

  1. Dyslexics become more socially inclusive

    As dyslexia still carries a social stigma, Dyslexia Awareness Month helps eradicate these stigmas and make everything more inclusive for dyslexics.

  2. Awareness is important

    When people don’t know about something, they are confused and resistant to accepting it. Spreading awareness about dyslexia can help parents, teachers, and others identify dyslexia and become more understanding toward those affected.

  3. Learning from what we know

    Awareness leads to better leads and research methodologies, which will help researchers study the phenomenon better.

Dyslexia Awareness Month dates

Year Date Day
2026 October 1 Thursday
2027 October 1 Friday
2028 October 1 Sunday
2029 October 1 Monday
2030 October 1 Tuesday