Rock for Dyslexia

Rock for Dyslexia Awareness 2025
Hosted by IDA-OR and IDA-GA

Watch the Finale Video. 

Congratulations to our winner, Makayla of Oregon. Thank you to everyone who participated in spreading awareness through Rock for Dyslexia.

See you in 2026!
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We have a tip sheet for individuals, schools, and organizations interested in participating:  Tip Sheet for Rock for Dyslexia.  Please send us photos! 

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month! Let’s spread awareness—and have a little fun—by sending messages through art and words.

We hope that the painted rocks with their accompanying messages will be “found” and shared far and wide to raise dyslexia awareness.

Why a rock? Individuals with dyslexia draw strength from their interests, talents, and unique personal traits, as well as the encouraging words of others.

If you have dyslexia, what gives you strength? What’s your ROCK?

If you know someone with dyslexia, what brings them strength? What’s their ROCK?

Part 1: Enter Rock for Dyslexia 2025 Contest

1. Find a rock with a smooth surface. 
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2. Wash off your rock. Clean rocks are easier to paint. 
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3. a. Paint a design on one side of your rock. Include a word that describes what gives you or someone you know strength.
   b. Sign the rock with your name or initials.
   

   How to Think of ROCK Words:
   Think about yourself or someone you know who has dyslexia.
   Choose a word that reflects what gives you—or them—strength, joy, confidence, or pride. That’s your ROCK word!

   Think:
   “I  am a ________” (dancer, writer, problem solver, artist, doctor,…)

   “I am ______” (kind, resilient, strong, funny, helpful,…)

   “I can _________” (sing, draw, build,…)

   “I like ________” (tennis, art, archery,…)

   “I like to _______” (smile, laugh,…)

   “I draw strength from _____” (…)
   
   Or your Rock Word could be a message of encouragement:
   Examples: You can do it! Don’t give up! Dyslexics rock!

   So many options!
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4. On the other side, write a hashtag that includes the word dyslexia: #dyslexia, #dyslexiaawareness, #dyslexiayouarenotalone, etc.
   
   PRO TIP #1: Write words with a thin permanent marker or the Sharpie Creative Marker rather than with a paintbrush. 
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5. To Enter the Contest: Complete the submission form and upload a photo of your rock.  Consider taking a picture of your rock outside, somewhere out in nature.
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6. October 31: Submissions due.  November 1: The Winner is chosen by a random drawing.
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7.  *Prize: $50. If we reach 100 rock design entries, we will up the prize to $100. If we get 200 or more rock entries, we will offer a $200 prize.
   
   *Prize amounts will increase if other IDA Branches partner with OR and GA as hosts.

Part 2: The Challenge: Spreading Awareness through Rock for Dyslexia

We hope that the rocks with their accompanying messages will be found and shared far and wide to raise dyslexia awareness. 

• Rock for Dyslexia participants are encouraged to leave their rock outside somewhere for it to be found and cherished by a passerby. We’d love to see photos if you do this! Each rock found will spark curiosity and raise awareness.
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• We encourage any participating groups/schools that have public social media accounts to post rock creations on social media with the hashtag #rockfordyslexia2025.
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• IDA Oregon, IDA Georgia, and other host Branches will remind followers to check out the Rock designs and messages at #rockfordyslexia2025. The host branches will highlight select rock photos in their e-blasts, websites, and on social media select rock photos. 
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• IDA Oregon will be hosting an online Rock for Dyslexia painting party. Stay tuned for details! 
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• We have a tip sheet for individuals, schools, and organizations interested in participating:  Tip Sheet for Rock for Dyslexia Volunteers.  Please send us photos!