Mark it Read for Dyslexia Awareness Month, 2025
For the past eight years, Dyslexia Canada has proudly celebrated Dyslexia Awareness Month each October with our Mark it Read for dyslexia campaign. Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers from coast to coast to coast, this national initiative continues to grow each year. Whether it’s gathering with friends and family for a flag raising, celebrating in classrooms, or attending a Dyslexia Canada-hosted event, our community continues to make a big impact. We’re even listed on the Government of Canada’s Health Promotions Calendar!
Every October, we come together to shine a light on dyslexia, a learning difference that affects 10–20% of Canadians.
Below, you’ll find five simple ways to get involved in this year’s campaign. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or have been with us since the beginning, we’re thrilled to have you on board. Let’s work together to raise awareness and make a difference in communities across Canada.
Don’t forget, October 8th is International Dyslexia Awareness Day. Mark your calendar!
During our 2024 Mark it Read campaign, Dyslexia Canada invited prominent Canadians with dyslexia to share their stories in a new podcast series, Mark it Read - Breaking the Silence. Their voices break the silence on dyslexia while highlighting the need for early screening.
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon 5K
Dyslexia Canada will once again have a team running the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon events, which include an in-person and virtual 5K race, half marathon, and full marathon. We will also have a team of volunteers at the finish line handing out water to the runners. The 2025 half marathon is now sold out but there are still bibs available for the 5K and marathon.
If you are interested in joining us either as a runner or volunteer, keep an eye on our social media for more information on this event.
5 Ways to get involved
Dyslexia Awareness flags
Thanks to a generous donation, we are pleased to have these Dyslexia Awareness flags available for your gathering or event. If you know of a public space in your community that offers great exposure why not ask if they will fly the flag for a day or even the entire month? Popular locations are city hall, schools and libraries. Don’t forget to take photos and short videos (10 sec) of your flag raising and send it to us. Once you have your location selected you can request a flag here.
Use #MarkItReadfordyslexia in your posts!
Request a proclamation
You can help us break the silence by asking your city or province to declare October Dyslexia Awareness month. Use our template to make your request. When it’s approved, don’t forget to share any photos of the presentation with us. Don’t forget to wear red for your photos and tag us on social posts!
Share your dyslexia journey
We invite Canadians with dyslexia to share their journey with dyslexia. We hope these stories will help to inspire others, reduce stigma and motivate governments to identify and appropriately support children with dyslexia across the nation. We will share your journey on our social media channels throughout the month.
Host a Mark it Read gathering
Hosting a gathering for Mark it Read doesn’t have to be complicated. Ask family and friends to join you to raise a flag or take pictures in front of one of the illuminated buildings and then post to social media. If you want to help us host a larger event our team can be there to help you bring your idea to life.
For information about hosting a fundraising event in support of Dyslexia Canada this October email Fundraising@dyslexiacanada.org.
Show Your Support by Wearing Red
Whether you are attending a Mark it Read event or just want to start a conversation, wear red this October. Make your own Mark it Read shirt or order one from our store. Gather your friends and family and take a selfie and don’t forget to share it with us using #markitreadfordyslexia #dyslexiacanada. A new T-shirt design for 2025 is coming this fall!
How are you celebrating #Markitreadfordyslexia this October?
Email us at info@dyslexiacanada.org to let us know
Mark it Read FAQ
Why red?
Dyslexia is a hereditary disability that makes it difficult to read, write, and spell. The teacher’s red pen can therefore be a constant reminder of the lack of support needed for kids to be successful. During October, the colour red helps to raise awareness of the prevalence of dyslexia as well as the work that needs to be done to support young Canadians who are often left feeling frustrated and isolated. You can find out more about dyslexia here.
Why should I Mark it Read?
By supporting Mark it Read, you will be supporting the estimated 10-20% of Canadians that live with dyslexia. By joining our campaign, you will help to raise awareness of dyslexia whilst helping to eradicate myths and misconceptions of this learning disability. If you’d like to be involved in more opportunities to join Dyslexia Canada’s mission, join us today.
How Can I Participate?
There are several ways to bring awareness to dyslexia in your local community. You can request a landmark to be lit up red for a day or even the month; attend one of our many events planned across the country including flag raisings, presentations, and webinars or purchase some Mark it Read SWAG. However you choose to participate, make sure you use the hashtag #MarkItRead, #SayDyslexia and #BreakingTheSilence so we can share and like your posts! Email info@dyslexiacanada.org form more information on how to get involved.
