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Bill would help kids who have dyslexia
By MARC KOVAC
COLUMBUS
Two state lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at providing more detection and assistance for children with dyslexia, a learning disability that makes it difficult to read.
State Reps. Ted Celeste, a Democrat from the Columbus area, and Bill Batchelder, a Republican from Medina, are offering House Bill 572 with hopes of earlier screening and intervention.
The legislation would formally add dyslexia to the list of developmental disabilities listed in Ohio law.
The bill also would establish pilot projects at one urban school district, one suburban district and one rural district. The schools, in turn, would work with local libraries to provide services to children dealing with dyslexia.
“By treating dyslexia early, we not only save money, but we give these students the opportunity to succeed academically at an early age, in part because we can avoid their feeling that they are inferior,” Batchelder said.
Reports on the pilot projects would be provided to lawmakers after three years to determine whether the programs should be continued and expanded.
The bill was introduced and is awaiting a committee assignment and first hearing, which will not take place until lawmakers return to session after the November election.