Proposal to add dyslexia as a 14th separate category under IDEA

Legislation in Congress proposes adding dyslexia as a 14th separate disability category under IDEA, which currently identifies it under the broader Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) category.

The proposed 21st Century Dyslexia Act has bipartisan support and aims to better identify and support students with dyslexia, who make up an estimated 5% to 17% of children and often go undiagnosed in schools.

Critics, including 27 disability and education organizations, argue that creating a separate dyslexia category could delay services, complicate funding, and fail to account for other types of reading disabilities.

Opponents are also concerned about the proposed legislation encouraging an outdated IQ-achievement discrepancy model, and opening IDEA to piecemeal amendments during political uncertainty.

Proponents argue that updating IDEA categories, as was done with autism in 1990, reflects a modern understanding of disabilities and would ensure more tailored support for students with dyslexia.

Read more about the legislation on Congresswoman Julia Brownley’s website.