Cassidy, Murphy, Warren Introduce Dyslexia Resolution

Press Release

Today, US Senators Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced a bipartisan resolution designating October 2017 as "National Dyslexia Awareness Month."

The goal of the resolution is to raise awareness of dyslexia and further educate on the significant educational implications caused by this learning disability. It also highlights the importance of providing evidence-based interventions and resources to ensure that every child succeeds in school and life.

"Dyslexia affects 1 in 5 people. Attention to, and understanding of, this issue is important so that those affected can get screened, diagnosed, and the evidence based instruction they need," said Dr. Cassidy.

Calling on Congress, schools, and State and local educational agencies to recognize the significant educational implications of dyslexia that must be addressed and designating

October 2017 as "National Dyslexia Awareness Month".

Whereas dyslexia is--

(1) defined as an unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader; and

(2) most commonly caused by a difficulty in phonological processing (the appreciation of the individual sounds of spoken language), which affects the ability of an individual to speak, read, spell, and often, learn a second language;

Whereas dyslexia is the most common learning disability and affects 80 percent to 90 percent of all individuals with a learning disability;

Whereas dyslexia is persistent and highly prevalent, affecting as many as 1 out of 5 individuals;

Whereas dyslexia is a paradox in that an individual with dyslexia may have both --

(1) weaknesses in decoding that result in difficulties in accurate or fluent word recognition; and

(2) strengths in higher-level cognitive functions, such as reasoning, critical thinking, concept formation, or problem solving;

Whereas great progress has been made in understanding dyslexia on a scientific level, including the epidemiology and cognitive and neurobiological bases of dyslexia; and

Whereas early screening for and early diagnosis of dyslexia are critical for ensuring that individuals with dyslexia receive focused, evidence-based intervention that leads to fluent reading, promotion of self-awareness and self-empowerment and the provision of necessary accommodations that ensure in school and in life: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) calls on Congress, schools, and State and local educational agencies to recognize that dyslexia has significant educational implications that must be addressed; and

(2) designates October 2017 as "National Dyslexia Awareness Month".

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