WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) introduced the 21st Century Dyslexia Act, legislation that incorporates the modern, scientific understanding of dyslexia into federal statute and prevents the harm unidentified dyslexia can inflict on young students.
“Despite dyslexia impacting one in five Americans, students are rarely tested,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This legislation brings a common-sense approach to dyslexia, ensuring students have the resources they need to reach their full potential.”
“Better early screening, more awareness, and modern tools will help make sure kids with dyslexia are diagnosed early. These resources are inexpensive and immensely valuable. I know – I lived it,” said Senator Hickenlooper.
U.S. Representatives Erin Houchin (R-IN), Julia Brownley (D-CA), and Bruce Westerman (R-IN) introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“I’ve been continually disappointed in how students with Dyslexia are left to fend for themselves in our education system. I remember the years of sleepless nights and wrong information that delayed my own son’s diagnosis, and ultimately delayed his ability to receive appropriate accommodations. Our family’s story isn’t unique, which is why the 21st Century Dyslexia Act is necessary,” said Representative Houchin.
“Students with dyslexia face unique challenges and should have access to the resources and supportive learning environments they need to reach their fullest potential,” said Representative Brownley. “The 21st Century Dyslexia Act is a critical step toward raising awareness of the barriers individuals with dyslexia face and strengthening our national commitment to providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive. As the mother of a child who struggled with dyslexia in school, I understand this issue all too well. That’s why I remain committed to ensuring that every individual living with dyslexia has the opportunity to succeed.”
“It is unfortunate that, as the most common learning disability, dyslexia remains woefully misunderstood and unnoticed,” said Representative Westerman. “Because of this, limited resources for educators and parents only continue to hold us back, preventing students from reaching their full potential. By fostering a better understanding of dyslexia, we can create a more successful and inclusive environment for all learners. It’s time for dyslexia to no longer be a barrier to greater understanding and learning, which is why I am proud to support the 21st Century Dyslexia Act.”
Undiagnosed dyslexic students face potential lifelong harm, including lower career wages, reduced graduation rates, and even increased rates of incarceration. The 21st Century Dyslexia Act pulls dyslexia out of the overly broad definition of Specific Learning Disability (SLD) and includes it in the list of disabilities that define a “child with a disability,” thus classifying dyslexia as its own category within IDEA.
Cassidy and Hickenlooper also introduced a resolution recognizing October 2025 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month. U.S. Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-IN), Julia Brownley (D-CA), and Erin Houchin (R-IN) are leading a companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Read the full bill text here.
Read the full text of the resolution here.
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