Legislation

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 1975, students are eligible for special education in order to receive equal and appropriate instruction. One condition listed under IDEA is specific learning disability (SLD), and it is in this section that dyslexia is listed. However, IDEA does not specifically define dyslexia or tell states how to address it. As a result, special education services provided to children with dyslexia can vary greatly from district to district in the same state. State laws aim to provide more detail than IDEA, so a student with dyslexia will have the same level of support no matter which school they attend.

The implementation of IDEA was a game changer and it has been vital for leveling the playing field for many students. That being said, since its conception, researchers have learned more about dyslexia. An example of a new-found understanding is the ability to screen for dyslexia at an earlier age, whereas before it was thought that students shouldn't be tested until the 3rd grade. We now know that students can be diagnosed much younger, and in turn receive earlier remediation and support. Additionally, research provides information on the best types of intervention and reading programs for the dyslexic brain. By passing dyslexia-specific laws, states can include this research within their guidelines and outline specific ways for their schools to identify, evaluate, and educate students with dyslexia.

Knowing about dyslexia law is important to ensure your child receives appropriate, evidence- based, and timely educational support. Federal and state laws mandate early screening, proper identification, and specialized, multisensory reading instruction. Knowing these rights will empower you to advocate for services for your child.

Brainspring https://brainspring.com/orton-gillingham-weekly/the-importance-of-dyslexia-legislation/

Following please find links to up-to-date information about state and national dyslexia legislation.

  • California's Senate Bill 114 (2023), codified in Education Code § 53008, mandates that local educational agencies (LEAs) implement universal screening for reading difficulties, including dyslexia, for students in kindergarten through Grade 2 annually, starting in the 2025–26 school year. The law requires the state to identify approved, evidence-based screening tools, with screenings intended for early intervention rather than definitive diagnosis. If your child is in K-2, California law stipulates that they should be screened in school for reading difficulties at least once a year.


    Click on the links below for in depth information about California’s Universal Dyslexia Screening legislation:

    California Legislative Information
    Website: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EDC&sectionNum=53008

    Decoding Dyslexia CA
    Website: https://decodingdyslexiaca.org/universal-screening/

    Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE)
    Website: https://edpolicyinca.org/publications/californias-adoption-reading-difficulties-risk-screening

    State of Dyslexia from the National Center on Improving Literacy
    Website:https://www.stateofdyslexia.org/california

  • Website:https://dyslexiaida.org/

    IDA is a leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with dyslexia. It is an excellent source of information.

    Link to: Click Your State to Track Dyslexia Legislation https://dyslexiaida.org/

  • Website: https://norcal.dyslexiaida.org/

    Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California, this branch of the International Dyslexia Association offers local support and information about resources to families and educators interested in dyslexia.

    Link to: California Dyslexia Law https://norcal.dyslexiaida.org/california-dyslexia-law/

  • Website: https://decodingdyslexiaca.org/

    Decoding Dyslexia is a national grassroots movement founded by families with children with dyslexia who strive to raise dyslexia awareness, empower families to support their children, and improve resources for students with dyslexia in California public schools.

    Link to: Legislation https://decodingdyslexiaca.org/legislation/

  • Website: https://dyslexia.yale.edu/

    The mission of the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity is to illuminate the creative and intellectual strengths of those with dyslexia, to disseminate the latest scientific research and practical resources, and to transform the treatment of all dyslexic children and adults.

    Link to: Understanding the Law https://dyslexia.yale.edu/resources/accommodations/understanding-the-law/

  • Website: https://fcrr.org/

    The Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) is an interdisciplinary research center at Florida State University. Drawing from multiple disciplines, FCRR investigates all aspects of reading and reading- related skills across the lifespan. Through rigorous and robust research, innovation, and engagement, FCRR advances the science of reading to improve learning and achievement from birth through adulthood.

    Link to: Reading Reform Across America: A Survey of State Legislation https://www.shankerinstitute.org/read

  • Website: https://ncld.org/about-ncld/

    The National Center for Learning Disabilities si a non-profit organization focused on building community, sharing resources, and shaping policy to help individuals with learning and attention issues.

    Link to: Learn the Law https://ncld.org/understand-the-issues/learn-the-law/