The 21st Century Dyslexia Act aims to improve the education of children with dyslexia by establishing a clear definition of dyslexia in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and requiring equal access to services for children from low-income families, families with low socioeconomic status, and children who are limited English proficient.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
The 21st Century Dyslexia Act aims to improve the education of children with dyslexia by establishing a clear definition of dyslexia in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and requiring equal access to services for children from low-income families, families with low socioeconomic status, and children who are limited English proficient.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>21st Century Dyslexia Act</strong></p> <p>This bill addresses the education of children with disabilities, with a particular focus on children with dyslexia.</p> <p>Currently, dyslexia is listed as one of the disabilities under the definition of <em>specific learning disability</em> in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This bill instead removes dyslexia from the definition of <em>specific learning disability</em> and establishes a stand-alone definition for <em>dyslexia</em> within the IDEA.</p> <p>Specifically, the bill defines <em>dyslexia</em> for purposes of the IDEA as an unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader, most commonly caused by a difficulty in the phonological processing (the appreciation of the individual sounds of spoken language), which affects the ability of an individual to speak, read, and spell.</p> <p> Additionally, the bill requires a local educational agency or other agency, in determining eligibility for or providing an accommodation or service under the IDEA, to provide equal access to (1) children from low-income families, (2) children from families with low socioeconomic status, and (3) children who are limited English proficient.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Removes dyslexia from the definition of 'specific learning disability' and establishes a stand-alone definition for 'dyslexia' in IDEA
Defines dyslexia as an unexpected difficulty in reading caused by issues with phonological processing, which affects a person's ability to speak, read, and spell
Requires local educational agencies to provide equal access to IDEA services and accommodations for children from low-income families, families with low socioeconomic status, and children who are limited English proficient
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This bill would directly benefit children with dyslexia by ensuring they receive appropriate support and services in school. It would also help address disparities in access to these services for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. If enacted, the bill could improve educational outcomes and opportunities for a significant number of students nationwide.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Education
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
3121, 119th Congress (2025). "UBER Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-3121
