H.R. 5769: 21st Century Dyslexia Act

This bill, known as the 21st Century Dyslexia Act, aims to amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to better support individuals with dyslexia. Below are the main components of the bill:

Definition Changes

The bill modifies the definition of dyslexia within the IDEA. Specifically, it:

• Replaces the term "specific learning disabilities" with "specific learning disabilities, or dyslexia" to explicitly include dyslexia in legal discussions about disabilities.
• Defines dyslexia as an unexpected difficulty in reading for individuals who are capable of better reading abilities, stemming from issues with phonological processing, affecting their capabilities to speak, read, and spell.

Accommodations and Services

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section to enhance the provision of accommodations and services for children diagnosed with dyslexia. Key elements include:

• Ensuring that local educational agencies and related organizations provide equal access to accommodations and services for all eligible children.
• Specifically includes protections for children from low-income families, those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and children who are limited English proficient, ensuring they receive appropriate support.

General Impact on Education Systems

This legislation seeks to improve the educational outcomes for students with dyslexia by ensuring that their needs are specifically recognized and catered for within the educational framework. It addresses both definitions and provisions, promoting a more inclusive system for students who face challenges associated with dyslexia.

Implementation Considerations

If passed, the implementation of this act will require local educational agencies to adapt their procedures and policies to align with the new definitions and requirements, potentially affecting how educational professionals assess and support students with dyslexia.

Relevant Companies

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