WASHINGTON – Wednesday, Congressmen Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Co-Chair of the House Dyslexia Caucus, introduced the bipartisan 21st Century Dyslexia Act to reclassify dyslexia within the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The members released the following statement:
“By reclassifying dyslexia as its own, stand-alone category within the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, this bill will ensure those who suffer from the learning disability will receive proper care and accommodation to ensure a fruitful education,” said Rep. Westerman (AR-04). “As the husband of a teacher, I understand how integral reading is as a building block of a successful future. Our school system must provide proper tools to help our children overcome the challenges of this common learning disability, which starts by reclassifying the disability to ensure maximum accommodation.”
“Students with dyslexia deserve to receive the support and resources they need to thrive and succeed in school,” said Rep Brownley (D-CA), co-chair of the House Dyslexia Caucus. “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 students with dyslexia. As the mother of a child who struggled with dyslexia when she was in school, I know all too well of the daily challenges that individuals with dyslexia face. That is why I am proud to continue working with Congressman Westerman and my colleagues of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus to ensure that all individuals living with dyslexia have the tools they need to live up to their fullest potential.”
