Bipartisan READ Act Provides Millions with Dyslexia a Brighter Future

Oct 27, 2015

Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives today unanimously approved the Research Excellence and Advancements for Dyslexia Act (READ Act) (H.R. 3033), a bipartisan bill introduced by Reps. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), who are co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Dyslexia Caucus. The Caucus is comprised of over 100 Members of Congress and is dedicated to increasing public awareness about dyslexia and ensuring all students have equal educational opportunities.

Dyslexia affects an estimated 8.5 million school children and one in six Americans in some form. The READ Act supports important research to further our understanding of dyslexia, including better methods for early detection and teacher training. The bill passed out of Committee on October 8, 2015 with unanimous support.

Rep. Smith: “Despite the prevalence of dyslexia, many Americans remain undiagnosed, untreated and silently struggle at school or work.  Too many children undiagnosed with dyslexia have difficulties in the classroom and sometimes drop out of school and face uncertain futures. Today we can shine a light on dyslexia and help millions of Americans have a brighter and more prosperous future. We need to enable those with dyslexia to achieve their maximum potential. The READ Act will help accomplish this.”

Rep. Brownley: “As the co-chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, I am pleased that the READ Act has passed the House. The resounding bipartisan support for the bill demonstrates how many Americans are impacted by dyslexia, and underscores the need for more research and better evidence-based interventions for students with dyslexia. I thank the members of the Science Committee and Chairman Smith for their leadership on this important issue.”

Click to watch the full House floor debate and passage of H.R. 3033.

 

The READ Act requires the president’s annual budget request to Congress to include a line item for the Research in Disabilities Education program of the National Science Foundation (NSF). It also requires the NSF to devote at least $5 million annually to dyslexia research, which would focus on best practices in the following areas:

  • Early identification of children and students with dyslexia
  • Professional development about dyslexia for teachers and administrators
  • Curricula development and evidence-based educational tools for children with dyslexia

The READ Act authorizes multi-directorate, merit-reviewed, and competitively awarded dyslexia research projects using funds appropriated for the NSF Research and Related Activities account and the Education and Human Resources Directorate.