Schools can host a Light it Red Day where students wear red for the day. Gold coin donations collected can be used to help schools purchase essential resources such as Decodable Readers.

“It’s a misconception that if you read to your child every night they will learn to read. Many children need to crack the code and decodable books can help with this. Decodable books have simplified spelling patterns, which beginning readers can tackle independently with success. Few school or public libraries have collections of decodable books,” said Hastings parent Kelly King.

Approximately 10 per cent of Australians have dyslexia and will struggle to read, write and spell on a daily basis. 

Fourteen-year-old Eliza Bampton says dyslexia isn't a disease; you can't catch it like a cold.

“It's something you're born with and it stays with you for the rest of your life. But people learn how to manage it,” she said.

All children can be taught to read, write and spell if the appropriate interventions are put in place early, Ms King added.

To celebrate children who learn differently, wear red and raise funds for Decodable Readers at your school. Contact dyslexiamnc@gmail.com to register your interest or for a list of Decodable Books. ​For information contact Kelly King 0416 850 555 or Joanna McNamara on 0403 423 621.