WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Reps. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif) and Erin Houchin (R-Ind.) introduced the 21st Century Dyslexia Act. This legislation works to incorporate the modern, scientific understanding of dyslexia into federal statute and prevent the harm unidentified dyslexia can inflict on young students.
“For far too long, students with dyslexia have faced a mountain of obstacles to learn in a way that’s best suited to them,” Westerman said. “Educators weren’t properly trained and parents often felt powerless to help their children who struggled with dyslexia. I’ve been honored to meet many of these students and parents during my time as the co-chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, and I know that their futures are bright when we equip them with the tools they need for success. I’m proud to once again lead this important legislation alongside Congresswoman Houchin and Dyslexia Caucus Co-Chair Brownley, and I hope it serves as a roadmap for raising dyslexia awareness and giving schools across the country the right resources to educate the next generation.”
“I’ve been continually disappointed in how students with Dyslexia are left to fend for themselves in our education system,” Houchin said. “I remember the years of sleepless nights and wrong information that delayed my own son’s diagnosis, and ultimately delayed his ability to receive appropriate accommodations. Our family’s story isn’t unique, which is why the 21st Century Dyslexia Act is necessary.”
“Students with dyslexia face unique challenges and should have access to the resources and supportive learning environments they need to live up to their fullest potential,” said Brownley. “By reclassifying dyslexia as its own category within the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, this legislation raises the much-needed awareness of the most common learning disability among American students and provides the proper accommodations and services for these students. As the mother of a child who struggled with dyslexia when she was in school, I know the importance of this issue all too well. That is why I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus to ensure that all individuals living with dyslexia can thrive and succeed.”
U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.
“We know how to teach a student with dyslexia and help them reach their full potential,” Cassidy said. “Unfortunately, a student is often not screened for dyslexia until after they have already fallen behind, if at all. This legislation brings a 21st century approach to dyslexia based on science that allows children with dyslexia to achieve their God given potential.”
Background
Currently, dyslexia is included as one of many neurocognitive differences under “Specific Learning Disabilities” (SLD) in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Despite dyslexia being the most prevalent neurocognitive difference within SLD, students are rarely tested. This prevents them from getting the services and accommodations necessary to assist dyslexic students learning to read. When children are not identified with dyslexia, evidence shows lifelong harm can occur, including lower career wages, reduced graduation rates, and increased rates of incarceration.
This legislation helps students by pulling dyslexia out of the overly broad definition of SLD and including it in the list of disabilities that define a “child with a disability,” thus classifying dyslexia as its own category within IDEA.
Read the full text of the bill here.