A bipartisan resolution recently introduced by U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) expresses support for recognizing October 2022 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month.
“As a father of a child with dyslexia, I know just how imperative it is to detect and treat dyslexia as early as possible to provide children and families with the tools they need to succeed in school and throughout life,” Rep. Bucshon said. “I am proud to cosponsor this resolution to designate October as National Dyslexia Awareness Month to raise awareness for this learning disability.”
Rep. Bucshon on Oct. 4 signed on as an original cosponsor of House Resolution 1424, with sponsor U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and four other original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Buddy Carter (R-GA), and Suzan DelBene (D-WA).
Dyslexia is the most common learning disability in the United States, affecting one-in-five Americans, according to the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity, which defines dyslexia as an unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader.
Dyslexia also affects 80 percent to 90 percent of all individuals with a learning disability, according to the text of the resolution, which notes that an achievement gap between typical readers and dyslexic readers occurs as early as first grade.
Specifically, the resolution would resolve that the U.S. House of Representatives calls on Congress, schools, and state and local educational agencies to recognize that dyslexia has significant educational implications that must be addressed; and supports the designation of National Dyslexia Awareness Month.
The resolution has been referred to the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee for consideration.