Congresswoman Houchin Joins Colleagues to Introduce Resolution Recognizing October as National Dyslexia Awareness Month
WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-Ind.-09), member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, joined Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, to introduce a resolution recognizing October 2023 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month. Earlier today, they introduced the 21st Century Dyslexia Act, legislation that works to incorporate the modern, scientific understanding of dyslexia into federal statute and prevent the harm unidentified dyslexia can inflict on young students.
“Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, but it often goes unnoticed or misdiagnosed for years. I know this firsthand as my own son struggled in school without answers. It’s our job to provide tools to help identify Dyslexia and to show students that their Dyslexia diagnosis is impacted by their accommodations, not their intelligence. As I work to address Dyslexia and other literacy related issues on the Education and Workforce Committee, I’m proud to introduce a resolution to mark October as National Dyslexia Awareness Month and continue working towards legislative solutions,” said Congresswoman Erin Houchin.
“Dyslexia doesn’t affect intelligence but impacts an individual’s ability to read. Research shows it impacts 1 in 5 Americans,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This National Dyslexia Awareness Month, we work to educate the nation on dyslexia and ensure these bright children have the resources to achieve their dreams just like any other student.”
In addition to Congresswoman Houchin, Representative Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.-04) joined to introduce the companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Millions of students have faced social stigmas and learning challenges due to dyslexia for far too long,” said Representative Westerman. “This important resolution brings congressional awareness to a critical issue and urges support for proper resources so that students impacted by dyslexia can learn and succeed. No student should be held back from success simply because they learn differently. I am honored to support this resolution, and I want to thank Senator Cassidy and my fellow Dyslexia Caucus Co-Chair, Representative Brownley, for making it a bicameral and bipartisan issue.”
Despite the prevalence of dyslexia, students are rarely tested. This prevents them from getting the services and accommodations necessary to assist dyslexic students learning to read. When children are not identified with dyslexia, evidence shows lifelong harm can occur, including lower career wages, reduced graduation rates, and even increased rates of incarceration.
Read the full text of the resolution here.