Does Your State Have a Dyslexia Law? Here’s How to Find Out

One of the most significant developments in the dyslexia advocacy movement over the past decade has been the passage of dyslexia-specific laws in states across the country. Driven by the parent-led Decoding Dyslexia movement, these laws are designed to address the systemic failures that have left so many students with dyslexia behind.

These laws can be a game-changer for parents in an IEP meeting, but many parents don’t even know they exist. So, how do you find out what the law is in your state?

Why State Laws Matter

The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides the broad framework for special education, but it gives states a lot of leeway in how they implement it. State dyslexia laws add a layer of specificity that is often missing from the federal law. They can mandate things like:

• A specific definition of dyslexia that all schools must use.
• Mandatory screening for all students in early grades.
• Required teacher training on dyslexia.
• The use of evidence-based reading instruction.

Knowing your state’s law allows you to advocate from a position of strength, moving from “I want” to “the law requires.”

How to Find Your State’s Law

Here are three simple ways to find out about the dyslexia legislation in your state:

1. Contact Your State’s Decoding Dyslexia Chapter: This is the best place to start. The parent advocates in your state’s Decoding Dyslexia group were likely instrumental in getting the law passed. They will have parent-friendly summaries, fact sheets, and advice on how to use the law in your advocacy. You can find a list of state chapters on the national Decoding Dyslexia website.

2. Visit Your State’s Department of Education Website: Most state departments of education now have a section of their website dedicated to dyslexia. Search for “dyslexia” on the site. You may find a state-mandated Dyslexia Handbook or Resource Guide that explains the law and best practices for schools. This is an official document that you can and should bring to your IEP meetings.

3. Search for the Law Itself: You can use a search engine to look for your state’s education code. Try searching for “[Your State] dyslexia law” or “[Your State] education code dyslexia.” While legal language can be dense, reading the actual text can be incredibly empowering. Look for key phrases like “schools shall” or “districts must.”

What to Do with the Information

Once you have a copy of your state’s law or dyslexia handbook, read it and highlight the key provisions. These are your talking points for your next meeting with the school.

For example, if your state law mandates early screening, and your school does not screen, you have a clear point of leverage. If your state’s dyslexia handbook recommends a certain number of instructional minutes per week, and your child’s IEP offers less, you have a powerful argument for increasing services.

The passage of these laws was a monumental victory for parents and children across the country. They were written for you and because of you. By taking the time to find and understand the law in your state, you are honoring the work of the advocates who came before you and using the powerful tool they created to forge a better path for your child.

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Related reading:

• How to Use Your State's Dyslexia Law in IEP Meetings
• Understanding Your Rights Under IDEA
• A Parent's Guide to Understanding Dyslexia