The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) estimates that 6.3 million people in the UK, or roughly 10% of the population, have dyslexia. As a result, it’s vitally important dyslexia receives the recognition it deserves.
Dyslexia is a specific processing difference characterised by cognitive strengths and abilities in visual-spatial processing, general knowledge, creative thinking, and problem-solving. Characteristic difficulties include struggles with short-term memory, processing speed, and making new skills automatic. Despite this, dyslexia should ideally be thought of as a continuum of different cognitive strengths and challenges, and every person experiences this differently.
This is where Dyslexia Awareness Week comes in to dispel common myths and make people aware of the true effects of dyslexia.
When is Dyslexia Awareness Week 2025 in the UK?
This year, Dyslexia Awareness Week will take place from Monday, 6th October through to the Sunday, 12th October. This coincides with International Dyslexia Day which is celebrated on the 8th of October each year.
What Colour is associated with Dyslexia Awareness Week?
Red is the primary colour associated with Dyslexia Awareness, chosen for its symbolic significance. Traditionally used to mark errors, red has been reclaimed by the dyslexia community as a colour of empowerment and pride—challenging stigma and celebrating neurodivergent strengths.
It’s worth noting that some organisations, such as Dyslexia Scotland, use blue to represent Dyslexia Awareness Week.
What is the theme for Dyslexia Awareness Week 2025?
Each year, Dyslexia Awareness Week has a different theme. This year, the theme is “Dyslexia: Raising the Volume”; the theme aims to encourage people to talk about their own lived experiences with dyslexia – whether they be dyslexic themselves or someone who has supported a dyslexic person. It puts provides the opportunity to speak up about dyslexia, making sure it is heard and understood.
Ideas for Dyslexia Awareness Week
Dyslexia Awareness Week is the perfect time to educate yourself about dyslexia and help raise awareness. Some of the following steps can be used to make this happen:
- Help dispel myths about dyslexia – First, learn what dyslexia is yourself and work to eliminate common misconceptions about it.
- Use the word dyslexia – It needs to be recognised as a unique processing difference.
- Talk about dyslexia directly and openly – Removing stigmas means being direct and open about differences. This fits in perfectly with the 2025 theme, ‘Dyslexia: Raising the Volume’.
- Support dyslexic employees and acknowledge their strengths – As an employer, you can make accommodations for your dyslexic employees. There are many tools that can be used in the workplace to support those with dyslexia. Similarly, it’s important to acknowledge their strengths, and you can do this by tailoring their responsibilities to their skill sets.
- Share your story – If you have dyslexia or have supported someone with dyslexia, you can inspire others by sharing your story.
- Get involved with the dyslexic community – You can attend events, campaign for charities, or attend our neurodiversity awareness training sessions to stand up for dyslexia in your area.
Dyslexia in Your Team: Myths, Challenges & Effective Strategies
Strategies for Supporting Employees With Dyslexia
Dyslexia causes a person’s brain to process information differently, it’s important that organisations and managers show their understanding of the unique challenges faced by those with dyslexia. This involves offering support to create a better working environment, which is explored in further detail below.
Implement assistive software – There are various types of software available to assist with dyslexia and it’s potential challenges, including programmes that convert text into audible files and spell checkers.
Create support groups – Implementing ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) into the workplace allows people with neurodifferences such as dyslexia to create a safe space to discuss their experiences and challenges with like-minded colleagues.
Adapt your communication style – People with dyslexia tend to be visual or auditory thinkers, meaning it’s a good idea to adapt your communication style accordingly.
Use fonts that increase readability – Arial, Comic Sans, and Verdana are among the easiest-to-read fonts for people with dyslexia.
Give them time to prepare – Preparation time can make people with dyslexia feel more comfortable during meetings or when speaking publicly.
Use visual reminders – Instead of written reminders, digital calendars with visual pop-ups might be more effective.
Learn to use the strengths of dyslexia – Too often, people focus on the limitations of dyslexia and don’t consider the strengths that come with it. For instance, many neurodivergent people can think outside the box, and companies can put this to good use.
Encourage dyslexia-friendly workstations – Different tips, supplies, tools, and objects can be used to make workstations more dyslexia-friendly.
Offer more flexibility – Flexibility allows someone to adjust the working day to accommodate their individual needs, whether it be introducing additional breaks or offering remote working opportunities.
Offer additional training to the entire organisation – organisation-wide training can help to raise awareness about dyslexia. The increased understanding of the neurodifference from employees and employers can make the workplace more comfortable for those with dyslexia.
Organise Dyslexia Inclusion Training
Here at neurobox, we provide neurodiversity and disability awareness training to businesses to encourage inclusion in the workplace. With our help, you and your employees can become more aware of neurodiversity and disability in the workplace and make the necessary accommodations. It’s vitally important that everyone feels happy and comfortable in their workplace, and that’s exactly what we strive to achieve.
Why not check out some of our training service pages below:
Dyslexia in Focus: Research, Practice & Perspectives
Stop saying dyslexics can’t read!
Workplace Coaching: A Dyslexia Coach’s Perspective
Looking for support in the workplace?
Looking to strengthen neuroinclusion in your workplace? Our team of experts is here to provide tailored advice, practical services, and ongoing guidance to help you create a more inclusive environment.
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