21st Century Dyslexia Act
The bill, titled the 21st Century Dyslexia Act, would amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to (1) explicitly recognize dyslexia as a defined condition related to specific learning disabilities, with a precise definition centered on phonological processing problems that cause unexpected reading difficulties in people with average or above-average intelligence; and (2) add a new provision (Section 608A) requiring local educational agencies (LEAs) and other agencies to provide equal access to accommodations and services for all eligible children, including those from low-income families, those with low SES, and children who are limited English proficient. In short, it aims to strengthen recognition of dyslexia within federal disability law and to promote equitable access to supports for all eligible students.
Key Points
- 1Expands IDEA to explicitly include dyslexia as a defined condition (alongside existing categories like specific learning disabilities) and provides a formal definition emphasizing phonological processing difficulties.
- 2Dyslexia is defined as an unexpected reading difficulty in someone who has suitable intelligence, most commonly due to issues with phonological processing, affecting speaking, reading, and spelling.
- 3The bill alters the IDEA definitions to replace references that previously mentioned environmental factors with a focus on dyslexia, signaling a shift toward recognizing dyslexia as a distinct condition.
- 4Introduces new Section 608A: Provision of Accommodations and Services, requiring LEAs and other agencies to provide equal access to accommodations or services for all eligible children.
- 5Section 608A specifically calls out equity for certain groups: children from low-income families, children from families with low socioeconomic status, and children who are limited English proficient.