The International Dyslexia Association Ontario partners with libraries to ensure access to information and resources that parents and caregivers need to recognize the early warning signs of dyslexia and support their child's literacy development.
In the past 2 years :
What are decodable books?
Decodable books include text that has been carefully written using evidence-based strategies to support reading development. These books are wonderful for all new readers, but access to this type of book is vital for children with dyslexia. To ensure that children across Ontario have access to decodable books, IDA Ontario's mini-grants will help Ontario public libraries purchase these resources for their collections. Funds from the grant can also be used to purchase books about dyslexia and the science of reading from a list of books recommended by IDA Ontario as sources of reliable information.
The impact of decodable books
Science shows that the most efficient way to learn a word so it can be instantly recognized in the future is by “decoding” it. Decoding means using knowledge of letter sounds and English spelling patterns to “sound out” a word. Decodable books are purposely written to help beginning and emerging readers master decoding.
2023 Library Mini-Grant Application
In 2023, we hope to increase this impact to more libraries across Ontario. We encourage all libraries to complete the grant application form to be eligible to enter our mini-grant. If a library is not successful at receiving a grant this year they are encouraged to resubmit next year. Read October will be in full swing this fall and we hope to raise enough money to support dyslexia awareness in even more public libraries in 2023!
Parameters
1. Every library will receive $500 to purchase decodable books. IDA Ontario will provide each library with a kit to prepare their display for Dyslexia Awareness Month in October.
2. IDA Ontario has created a list of books that are eligible for purchase using this grant. The library can download the list of suggested books from our website to review and check availability through their vendors. If a librarian would like to use grant funds to purchase books that are not on the list, they can request that IDA review the books to determine if they meet the grant criteria.
3. All libraries are encouraged to download and display our decodable books poster which explains the purpose of decodable books, and our decodable spine sticker to help make these books easy to find on the shelf.
4. Additionally, libraries will be encouraged to participate in a variety of dyslexia awareness activities throughout the year like our Read October campaign. During the grant application process, libraries will indicate which of these activities they plan to participate in.
5. Libraries are encouraged to use social media to promote their dyslexia awareness activities by using the hashtags #DyslexiaAwareness and #ReadOctober.
Timeline
- Application deadline for 2023 library grants by April 1, 2023
- Libraries will be notified of their approval and funds will be distributed by June 30, 2023
- Libraries will have until December 31, 2023 to provide IDA Ontario with receipts and a list of the books purchased using the grant funds.