WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee in introducing a U.S. Senate resolution recognizing October 2023 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month. A companion resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR).

“Early detection and treatment of dyslexia is important to ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed. I’m proud to cosponsor this resolution raising awareness about dyslexia so we can help young learners overcome the challenges they experience as a result of this learning disability,” said Boozman.  

“Dyslexia doesn’t affect intelligence but impacts an individual’s ability to read. Research shows it impacts 1 in 5 Americans,” said 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.”  

The Senate resolution was also cosponsored by Senators Angus King (I-ME), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chris Murphy (D-CT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

“Millions of students have faced social stigmas and learning challenges due to dyslexia for far too long,” said 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.