3 Ways to Advocate for Dyslexic Students in Middle Georgia During Dyslexia Awareness Month

Dyslexia Awareness Month in October is a great opportunity for our community to rally around dyslexic students and ensure they have the resources and support they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Advocacy doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming—sometimes it’s about making simple but meaningful contributions. Here are 3 impactful ways to advocate for dyslexic students in Middle Georgia.

1. Raise Awareness by Sharing Facts and Busting Myths

Dyslexia is often misunderstood, leading to damaging misconceptions about students’ intelligence or effort. One of the most powerful ways to advocate is by educating others about what dyslexia really is. Dyslexia affects one in five people, making it one of the most common learning differences, yet many people still believe outdated myths.

• Use social media to spread accurate information. Share resources, facts, and personal stories that help people understand dyslexia better. Roberts Academy’s Instagram is a great place to find information to share!
• Encourage your local schools or libraries to host educational events. Webinars, workshops, or guest speakers can help raise awareness among parents, teachers, and community members. If you are interested in having Roberts Academy come to speak to your school’s faculty, reach out to Jamie Dickson at dickson_jc@robertsacademy.org.

Founded in August 2024, The Roberts Academy at Mercer University is the only school for dyslexic learners outside of Metro Atlanta. As a result, the Middle Georgia community may be less familiar with this common learning difference compared to those in Atlanta.

It’s up to us to start conversations and share accurate information to reduce stigma and build a more supportive community for dyslexic learners.

Related – Fact vs. Fiction: 7 Myths About Dyslexia

2. Become a Georgia GOAL Contributor

One of the most impactful ways to advocate for dyslexic students in Middle Georgia is by becoming a Georgia GOAL contributor.

The Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program allows taxpayers to redirect a portion of their state income taxes to support scholarships for students seeking an education from an independent school such as Roberts Academy. 

• As a contributor, you can help students access a Roberts Academy education, which uses the Orton-Gillingham Approach and dyslexia-friendly environments to ensure dyslexic students receive the specialized support they need.
  
• Participating is simple: you can redirect a portion of their Georgia income tax liability to the GOAL program at no cost to you, helping fund scholarships for students who qualify based on financial need.

Your contribution not only gives students access to a Roberts Academy education designed for their unique needs but also provides a tax benefit to you. It’s a win-win way to make a tangible difference in a dyslexic student’s life.

Become a Georgia GOAL contributor here.

3. Support Dyslexia-Friendly Classroom Practices

Advocating for dyslexia-friendly classrooms is crucial to ensuring that students with dyslexia have the tools they need to succeed. All students – but especially dyslexic students – benefit from multi-sensory teaching methods and individualized instruction.

Encourage your local schools to invest in teacher training programs that focus on evidence-based strategies such as the Orton-Gillingham Approach, which is highly effective for students with dyslexia.

When teachers have the tools and knowledge to help dyslexic students, it can significantly change those students’ educational outcomes and boost their confidence.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re sharing facts, contributing to the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, or advocating for better classroom practices, you have the power to make a difference in the lives of dyslexic students in Middle Georgia. This Dyslexia Awareness Month, let’s come together to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed, no matter their learning difference!