The Reading Clinic is to light up City Hall in red as part of a dyslexia awareness event.

It is participating in the global Go Red for Dyslexia campaign to support World Dyslexia Week.

From October 1 to 6, City Hall will be illuminated in red lights at night symbolising solidarity for people with dyslexia, while promoting understanding of the common yet often undiagnosed learning difference.

The Reading Clinic said that the colour red was historically associated with errors and corrections in education, reinforcing negative feelings of failure.

It added: “This association is particularly significant for individuals with dyslexia, who often do not thrive in traditional learning environments.

“The Go Red for Dyslexia campaign seeks to reclaim the colour red as a symbol of empowerment, innovation and strength, representing a shift from correction to celebration.”

Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, said: “Lighting up City Hall in red for World Dyslexia Week is statement of our City’s continued commitment to inclusivity and understanding.”

Tina Harris, the executive director of The Reading Clinic, said that dyslexia affected 10 to 15 per cent of Bermuda’s population, often affecting reading, spelling and writing.

She said: “While individuals with dyslexia often struggle with these skills, early intervention and tailored support enable them to reach their full potential.

“At The Reading Clinic, we utilise evidence-based approaches, including the Orton-Gillingham Approach, to provide individualised support. This helps children develop phonemic awareness, strategies to compensate for their challenges and builds the confidence they need to thrive.

“Additionally, those with dyslexia often possess unique strengths, including creativity, problem-solving skills and the ability to think outside the box, which we aim to nurture alongside their academic progress.”

Mansfield Brock, the founding director of Bermuda College and trustee of The Reading Clinic, added: “By celebrating World Dyslexia Week, The Reading Clinic aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of early intervention, testing and tutoring for children who may be struggling at school.

“US statistics estimate that 40 to 50 per cent of incarcerated people have dyslexia. By offering the right support to young children with dyslexia, we have the power to dramatically change the trajectory of their lives, giving them the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.”

Go Red for Dyslexia events will take place worldwide. The Reading Clinic encouraged the Bermuda community to get involved by wearing red during the first week of October, hosting events and supporting its virtual tag day.

• Details are available atwww.readingclinic.bm