Cassidy, Stark to Host Dyslexia Movie Screening

Press Release

Congressman Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Pete Stark (D-CA) will host a screening of The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia on Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. in Room 2123 of the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill. This is the first major event for the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, of which Congressmen Cassidy and Stark are co-chairs.

"Dyslexia is a major learning disability which affects nearly 20% of Americans," said Congressman Cassidy. "By raising awareness of dyslexia we can change the way we educate our children and assist millions of children get on the path to success."

"My motivation in starting the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus with Rep. Bill Cassidy is both personal and professional," said Congressman Stark. "My family has learned about the disability - and the misunderstandings that surround it - through my young son's experience with dyslexia.

He continued, "From my work in Congress, I know that people with dyslexia face many barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Late last year, I released a GAO report with colleagues that found testing companies are not providing accomodations as required by the law, tests required to enter a profession or get into graduate school. The result is many talented people are effectively barred from advancing their education and careers. There is much to be done to ensure individuals with dyslexia have the resources and oppportunities they deserve and that our nation can benefit from their talents. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Dyslexia Caucus to achieve those goals."

The film, which was screened at the 2012 Sundance Festival, focuses on students contending with dyslexia. The event will be held in conjunction with the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity. Special guests will include Yale professor Sally Shayvitz, M.D. and students from the film.

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