Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) today praised House passage of the Research Excellence and Advancements for Dyslexia Act (READ Act/H.R. 3033)—bipartisan legislation that will boost dyslexia research funding at the National Science Foundation (NSF).

     “October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and the House took a strong step forward today by passing legislation designed to enhance our understanding of dyslexia and assist millions of American children,” said Smith, who cosponsored the READ Act.

      “The READ Act will prioritize funding at the National Science Foundation for dyslexia and identify best practices in early detection, development of course materials, and teacher training for dyslexic students,” Smith continued.

 

    The READ Act, which passed the House Oct. 26, requires that at least $5 million be directed annually for competitively awarded dyslexia research projects at the NSF.  These projects will be focused on early identification; professional development for teachers; and curricula and educational tools. Dyslexia is the most common learning disability in the United States today. 

    An estimated one out of every six children in the United States may have dyslexia, a learning disability which causes difficulty in reading fluency and comprehension despite normal or above-average intelligence.

 

    “Absent effective intervention, dyslexia can be a significant barrier to educational achievement, confidence in school, and future success,” said Smith. “More must be done to find evidence-based strategies to help children with dyslexia reach their full potential in school.”

      Smith is a member of the bipartisan Dyslexia Caucus, co-chaired by Reps. Lamar Smith and Julia Brownley (CA-26), which seeks to raise awareness and put forth policy changes that provide assistance to and remove barriers for individuals with dyslexia.   

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