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 includes dyslexia within the definition of specific learning disabilities and provides a detailed definition for the term, clarifying it as an unexpected reading difficulty in individuals with adequate intelligence, primarily stemming from challenges in phonological processing , which impacts their ability to speak, read, and spell. This legislation also mandates that local educational agencies and other relevant bodies ensure equal access to accommodations and services for all eligible children, specifically emphasizing support for children from low-income families, families with low socioeconomic status, and those who are limited English proficient, thereby promoting comprehensive and equitable educational opportunities.
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 includes dyslexia within the definition of specific learning disabilities and provides a detailed definition for the term, clarifying it as an unexpected reading difficulty in individuals with adequate intelligence, primarily stemming from challenges in phonological processing , which impacts their ability to speak, read, and spell. This legislation also mandates that local educational agencies and other relevant bodies ensure equal access to accommodations and services for all eligible children, specifically emphasizing support for children from low-income families, families with low socioeconomic status, and those who are limited English proficient, thereby promoting comprehensive and equitable educational opportunities.