WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Reps. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.) and Erin Houchin (R-Ind.) introduced a resolution recognizing October 2023 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month. Alongside this resolution, Westerman also joined Reps. Houchin and Brownley to introduce the 21st Century Dyslexia Act, legislation that works to incorporate the modern, scientific understanding of dyslexia into federal statute and prevent the harm unidentified dyslexia can inflict on young students.


“Millions of students have faced social stigmas and learning challenges due to dyslexia for far too long,” Westerman said. “This important resolution brings congressional awareness to a critical issue and urges support for proper resources so that students impacted by dyslexia can learn and succeed. No student should be held back from success simply because they learn differently. I am honored to support this resolution, and I want to thank Senator Cassidy and my fellow Dyslexia Caucus Co-Chair, Representative Brownley, for making it a bicameral and bipartisan issue.”


“I began my career in public service to ensure that individuals with dyslexia, like my daughter, would have the resources and learning environments to live up to their fullest potential,” Brownley said. “In recognizing October as Dyslexia Awareness Month, we are bringing much needed attention to the challenges people with dyslexia face and, more importantly, reaffirming the support they need to thrive. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to raise awareness and help all those with dyslexia to succeed.”


“Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, but it often goes unnoticed or misdiagnosed for years,” Houchin said. “I know this firsthand as my own son struggled in school without answers. It’s our job to provide tools to help identify dyslexia and to show students that their dyslexia diagnosis is impacted by their accommodations, not their intelligence. As I work to address dyslexia and other literacy related issues on the Education and Workforce Committee, I’m proud to introduce a resolution to mark October as National Dyslexia Awareness Month and continue working towards legislative solutions.”


U.S. Sens. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Angus King (I-Maine), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) introduced the companion resolution in the U.S. Senate.


“Dyslexia doesn’t affect intelligence, but impacts an individual’s ability to read,” Cassidy said. “Research shows it impacts 1 in 5 Americans. This National Dyslexia Awareness Month, we work to educate the nation on dyslexia, and ensure these bright children have the resources to achieve their dreams just like any other student.”


                                                            Background


Despite the prevalence of dyslexia, 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 even increased rates of incarceration.   


Read the full text of the resolution here.