2023 Dyslexia Dash raised more than $53,000 to help fund teacher training in GA The International Dyslexia Association Georgia (IDA-GA) branch will host its 16th annual Dyslexia Dash this year with an anticipated 2,000 runners and walkers for the fun. The 5K Run/Walk in person on Saturday, October 19 at Perimeter Mall has become a fall tradition during October as part of Dyslexia Awareness Month. Participants receive a coveted Dash t-shirt, race bag and swag and enjoy music by DJ and a phenomenal Kids Zone. Proceeds from the event are used to fund dyslexia education, scholarships and grants for teacher training, and awareness programs in Georgia. This is an ideal event for anyone interested in supporting educational options for struggling readers.
For the fourth year in a row, the event will also have a virtual component allowing participants to choose their own course, run or walk when they can, and then post their best times to our website by October 19. This year, the event anticipates more than 15 other IDA branches to participate taking this event across the U.S. in support of dyslexia training.
Last year, the Dyslexia Dash (a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier) attracted more than 2,100 participants, resulting in proceeds of about $53,000. Using funds from this event, the organization’s annual conference and individual donations, IDA-GA has provided more than $182,000 back to the community since 2017 for free and low-cost Structured Literacy® teacher training and free community outreach events.
“Recent enactment of dyslexia legislation in Georgia, has resulted in more interest in appropriate reading instruction to help struggling readers,” stated IDA-GA President Stacey Levy. “We hope our efforts not only build dyslexia awareness but help celebrate the unique strengths and talents of individuals affected by this learning difference.” Participate in this year’s event by visiting https://ga.dyslexiaida.org/2024-dyslexia-dash/.
Research has shown that a child who completes second grade without gaining the skill of reading has only a one-in-four chance of reading at grade level by the end of elementary school. However, with proper reading instruction, many people with dyslexia can learn to read and write well. Early identification and instruction using a multisensory, structured language approach is the key to helping individuals with dyslexia achieve in school and in life.
Levy went on to say, “This event would not be possible without our 2024 Dyslexia Dash sponsors and runners. With their support, IDA-GA will be able to offer more scholarships and grants for teacher training in the year ahead.”
Facts about Dyslexia
• Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that is neurological in origin.
• Approximately 15%-20% of the population has a language-based learning disability.
• Of those who are students, 70-80% struggle with reading.
• Dyslexia is the most common cause of reading, writing and spelling difficulties.
• Dyslexia affects males and females equally, as well as people from different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Without appropriate intervention, 74% of children who are poor readers in 3rd grade remain poor readers in the 9th grade and into adulthood.
