The "21st Century Dyslexia Act" proposes significant amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to enhance support for students with dyslexia. It explicitly adds dyslexia as a category under specific learning disabilities within IDEA's definitions and provides a clear federal definition for it, describing it as an unexpected reading difficulty primarily due to phonological processing issues. Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section to IDEA, mandating that local educational agencies provide equal access to accommodations and services for all eligible children. This includes specific provisions for children from low-income families, those with low socioeconomic status, and limited English proficient children. By clarifying definitions and ensuring equitable access, the bill aims to improve educational outcomes for students with dyslexia nationwide.
The "21st Century Dyslexia Act" proposes significant amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to enhance support for students with dyslexia. It explicitly adds dyslexia as a category under specific learning disabilities within IDEA's definitions and provides a clear federal definition for it, describing it as an unexpected reading difficulty primarily due to phonological processing issues. Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section to IDEA, mandating that local educational agencies provide equal access to accommodations and services for all eligible children. This includes specific provisions for children from low-income families, those with low socioeconomic status, and limited English proficient children. By clarifying definitions and ensuring equitable access, the bill aims to improve educational outcomes for students with dyslexia nationwide.