U.S. Department of Education says: Schools must allow for the use of the terms dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia in special education matters

"It tells states they must never prohibit the use of the terms dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia and specifically says that such terms are meant to be used to help implement a truly individualized IEP and the specific accommodations, modifications or supports that a child may need to succeed in school."

 


WASHINGTON, DC – In response to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services letter to State Education Agencies today, Denise Marshall, executive director of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. (COPAA) issued the following statement:  

“Today is a victory for children with specific learning disabilities and their families! COPAA knows firsthand how families have been subjected to intimidating and discriminatory treatment as they have sought to include the proper terms of a child’s condition as part of a special education evaluation, eligibility determination, or within a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). We now have a valuable tool to assure these practices stop.”  Marshall continued, “The guidance from Assistant Secretary Yudin is unequivocal. It tells states they must never prohibit the use of the terms dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia and specifically says that such terms are meant to be used to help implement a truly individualized IEP and the specific accommodations, modifications or supports that a child may need to succeed in school. COPAA was proud to sign the letter that led to this outcome and looks forward to helping support an improved conversation about specific 

COPAA and Colleagues July 2015 Letter Requesting Guidance