Pittsburgh, PA (March 5, 2020) – The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) applauds U.S. Representatives Chrissie Houlahan (D-PA) and Bruce Westerman (R-AR) on introducing the READ Act (Reading Early and Addressing Dyslexia Act). The bipartisan READ Act, modeled after a Pennsylvania program, creates a federal grant program for states to establish three-year early literacy and dyslexia pilots using evidence-based screening, evidence-based instruction, and intervention for students found to be at risk for early reading deficiencies and dyslexia.

“Representatives Houlahan’s and Westerman’s READ Act will support public schools in implementing the evidenced-based reading instruction and intervention necessary to mitigate the impact of dyslexia, the most frequently occurring learning disability,” said Dr. Monica McHale-Small, Ph.D., LDA President. “LDA supports this effort to enhance teacher knowledge and build public schools’ capacity to serve students at risk for dyslexia and other reading difficulties. We also support this bill because it requires schools to use only evidence-based practices and contains strong evaluation and reporting provisions.”

“As one of the parents who helped to get this legislation passed in Pennsylvania, it is exciting to see that it’s being recognized on a national level,” said LDA Public Policy and Advocacy Committee Co-Chair Daphne Uliana, mother of three dyslexic children. “It has had a tremendous ripple effect across the state. This pilot will ensure that all children will be given the opportunity to learn to read!”

LDA looks forward to working with Representatives Houlahan and Westerman to get this legislation passed and signed into law as soon as possible.

For more information on this important piece of legislation go to https://bit.ly/2PO7mr4.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Cindy Cipoletti, Executive Director, 412.341.1515 ext. 206, ccipoletti@ldaamerica.org, www.ldaamerica.org

The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) is a non-profit organization of parents, educators, adults with LD, and professionals. LDA’s mission is to create opportunities for success for all individuals affected by learning disabilities through support, education, and advocacy. For more information go to www.ldaamerica.org.