The Dyslexia Handbook (Updated August 9,2024)

What is Dyslexia?

TEC §38.003 defines dyslexia and related disorders in the following way: 

"Dyslexia” means a disorder of constitutional origin manifested by a difficulty in learning to read, write, or spell, despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence, and sociocultural opportunity. 

“Related disorders” include disorders similar to or related to dyslexia, such as developmental auditory imperception, dysphasia, specific developmental dyslexia, developmental dysgraphia, and developmental spelling disability. 

TEC §38.003(d)(1)-(2) (1995) http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.38.htm#38.003 

The International Dyslexia Association defines “dyslexia” in the following way: 

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge. Adopted by the International Dyslexia Association Board of Directors, November 12, 2002

What is Dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia is best defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder manifested by illegible and/or inefficient handwriting due to difficulty with letter formation. This difficulty is the result of deficits in graphomotor function (hand movements used for writing) and/or storing and retrieving orthographic codes (letter forms) (Berninger, 2015). Secondary consequences may include problems with spelling and written expression. The difficulty is not solely due to lack of instruction and is not associated with other developmental or neurological conditions that involve motor impairment.

What is Child Find ?

• Under federal law, public schools must identify, locate, and evaluate children who need special education.

• Child Find covers children from birth through age 21. 

• It applies to all children, including those who are homeschooled or in private schools, plus kids who are migrants or without homes.

Anyone can start the process: a parent/guardian, doctor, teacher, relative or friend can call their local school district Child Find. If you are concerned about a child’s learning, contact your local school campus, district, or charter school. 

What is IDEA ?

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 

• IDEA is the nation’s special education law.

• Schools must find and evaluate students thought to have disabilities — at no cost to families.

• To qualify for IDEA services, a child must have a disability and need special education to make progress in school.

• Each of the 13 disability categories in IDEA can cover a range of difficulties.

• Dyslexia, dyscalculia, and written expression disorder fall under the “specific learning disability” category.

What is Section 504 ?

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law that bans disability discrimination.

• It’s also the law that provides 504 plans.

• Under Section 504, students with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodations.

Section 504 is a federal law that prohibits disability discrimination by recipients of federal financial assistance. All public schools and school districts, as well as all public charter schools and magnet schools, that receive federal financial assistance must comply with Section 504.

To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to: (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or (2) have a record of such an impairment, or (3) be regarded as having such an impairment. 

Consultation and technical assistance is available to assist school districts with compliance under Section 504 of the Rehabiliation Act of 1973.

https://www.esc14.net/page/