U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) have introduced the 21st Century Dyslexia Act. The legislation aims to update federal law to reflect current scientific understanding of dyslexia and address the consequences of undiagnosed dyslexia among students.
“Despite dyslexia impacting one in five Americans, students are rarely tested,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This legislation brings a common-sense approach to dyslexia, ensuring students have the resources they need to reach their full potential.”
Senator Hickenlooper emphasized the importance of early intervention. “Better early screening, more awareness, and modern tools will help make sure kids with dyslexia are diagnosed early. These resources are inexpensive and immensely valuable. I know – I lived it,” he said.
In the U.S. House of Representatives, companion legislation was introduced by Representatives Erin Houchin (R-IN), Julia Brownley (D-CA), and Bruce Westerman (R-IN).
Representative Houchin shared her personal experience: “I’ve been continually disappointed in how students with Dyslexia are left to fend for themselves in our education system. I remember the years of sleepless nights and wrong information that delayed my own son’s diagnosis, and ultimately delayed his ability to receive appropriate accommodations. Our family’s story isn’t unique, which is why the 21st Century Dyslexia Act is necessary.”
Representative Brownley also spoke about the challenges faced by students with dyslexia: “Students with dyslexia face unique challenges and should have access to the resources and supportive learning environments they need to reach their fullest potential. The 21st Century Dyslexia Act is a critical step toward raising awareness of the barriers individuals with dyslexia face and strengthening our national commitment to providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive. As the mother of a child who struggled with dyslexia in school, I understand this issue all too well. That’s why I remain committed to ensuring that every individual living with dyslexia has the opportunity to succeed.”
Representative Westerman added: “It is unfortunate that, as the most common learning disability, dyslexia remains woefully misunderstood and unnoticed. Because of this, limited resources for educators and parents only continue to hold us back, preventing students from reaching their full potential. By fostering a better understanding of dyslexia, we can create a more successful and inclusive environment for all learners. It’s time for dyslexia to no longer be a barrier to greater understanding and learning, which is why I am proud to support the 21st Century Dyslexia Act.”
The proposed legislation seeks to address the risks faced by undiagnosed dyslexic students, which can include lower career earnings, reduced graduation rates, and higher rates of incarceration. The act would reclassify dyslexia within federal law by moving it out of the broader category of Specific Learning Disability (SLD) and recognizing it as its own category under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Additionally, Senators Cassidy and Hickenlooper introduced a resolution to designate October 2025 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month. Representatives Westerman, Brownley, and Houchin are leading a similar resolution in the House.
