A bipartisan, bicameral resolution introduced by U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and her congressional colleagues would recognize October as National Dyslexia Awareness Month.
“Dyslexia impacts individuals in West Virginia and all across our country, which is why it is so important that we recognize the substantial challenges it poses to students and adults,” said Sen. Capito, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. “I’m proud to join my colleagues once again to introduce this resolution, which will help us raise awareness around the need for early screening, diagnosis, and evidence-based solutions.”
The Senate Resolution, led by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), also would call on Congress, schools, and state and local educational agencies to recognize the significant educational implications of dyslexia that must be addressed.
Despite the prevalence of dyslexia, students are rarely tested, preventing them from getting the services and accommodations necessary to assist them, the text says, noting that when children are not identified with dyslexia, evidence shows lifelong harm can occur, including lower career wages, reduced graduation rates, and even increased rates of incarceration, the text says.
The identical resolution, House Resolution 1467, was introduced by U.S. Reps. Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), French Hill (R-AR), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Julia Brownley (D-CA) in their chamber.