Today, Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) released the following statement in response to receiving the Champion for Dyslexia award. The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity (click here to learn more) created the award to recognize extraordinary accomplishments on behalf of the approximately one in five children and adults who are dyslexic. In February 2012, Stark and Representative Bill Cassidy (R-LA) formed the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus to push for education and other reforms to allow individuals with dyslexia to fully contribute to the nation.
"I know from being the parent of a dyslexic child the barriers that individuals with dyslexia face in receiving a good education and reaching their full potential. My mission in forming the Dyslexia Caucus with Representative Cassidy is to provide a strong voice in Congress to those battling to overcome dyslexia and work everyday to level the playing field for these individuals. It is an honor to receive recognition for this work," said Rep. Stark.
In addition to forming the Dyslexia Caucus, Stark released a GAO report last December detailing the failure of high-stakes tests to provide accommodations to people with dyslexia and other disabilities and pressured the Justice Department to step up enforcement (link to that letter). The Congressional Dyslexia Caucus currently has 40 bi-partisan members.