Disability Groups Urge Senate to Reject 21st Century Dyslexia Act

A coalition of disability‑rights and education organizations, including the Learning Disabilities Association of America, International Dyslexia Association, Council for Exceptional Children, National Center for Learning Disabilities and the National Association of School Psychologists, sent a letter to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP). They urged the committee to oppose the 21st Century Dyslexia Act, arguing that the bill’s definition of dyslexia conflicts with current scientific evidence and would disrupt existing state and district programs that already provide effective identification and support for students with reading disabilities. The signatories recommend universal screening, evidence‑based instruction and early intervention as a better approach to improve literacy outcomes.

The groups warn that the legislation could create confusion for states, undermine proven supports, and delay help for struggling readers, urging lawmakers to work with the disability community, educators, researchers and families on policies grounded in research.