To the Editor:

Did you know one in five children have dyslexia? Furthermore, dyslexia is one of the most common causes of reading difficulties, and only one in ten children with dyslexia will qualify for an IEP and/or special education. Our 10-year-old son has severe dyslexia, and prior to his diagnosis it was clear we needed to advocate fiercely so he did not become a statistic. We now work at a systemic level to ensure all children in CT are identified and receive evidence-based interventions to allow them to read and lead a successful life.

The good news is, thanks to persistent parents and legislators, there is dyslexia legislation. Unfortunately, it lacks implementation and accountability, and kids with dyslexia are not learning to read. This impacts our children negatively academically, socially, and emotionally, leading to long-term consequences. We need to act, as early identification is key and dyslexia is identifiable with 92% accuracy, at ages 5½ to 6½, when a child is in kindergarten!

Representative Mitch Bolinsky is dedicated to this cause. Rep Bolinsky championed multiple dyslexia bills and continues to engage and support many families related to sub-optimal identification and services for children with learning differences. Last year a bill passed to develop “A Task Force to analyze and make recommendations on issues relating to the implementation of laws governing dyslexia instruction and training in the state.” I collaborated with Rep Bolinsky on the passage of this bill and he was instrumental in my appointment to this prestigious Task Force. Together, we are committed to ensuring that every child receives the necessary services to read and specified teachers obtain the required training.

Thank you to Rep Bolinsky for consistently advocating for children with learning differences to ensure their rights to a free and appropriate public education.

Alissa Heizler-Mendoza

3 Bobcat Lane, Newtown September 23, 2020