Dyslexia News for Colorado Voters

The majority of teachers aren't trained to recognize dyslexia. Here in Colorado, there are only eight people in the entire state who are certified testers for dyslexia. (And if you live somewhere else, don't feel superior - this is fairly typical of the country. Except for Texas. They do great things for dyslexic children.) So most kids don't get tested. They don't get the special help they need. Instead, these bright children grow to think they are stupid because they can't learn to read the same way other children do.

But last Thursday, House Bill 1223, sponsored by Representative Michael Merrifield (a Democrat from Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs) unanimously passed through the House education committee. This bill would train teachers to identify literacy challenges like dyslexia. The bill is now headed to the Appropriations Committee.

If you vote in Colorado, please call or email your representatives and voice your support for this bill. If you need to know who your representatives are, or their contact information, here's a link for the Colorado General Assembly.

Thanks.