Is Dyslexia a Disability?

Should we call dyslexia a disability? Since proven instructional methods such as Orton-Gillingham are effective in helping individuals with dyslexia learn to read and spell, should it be considered something different? This is an important and sometimes controversial question. To fully understand it, we need to look at why some people support calling dyslexia a disability, why others oppose using that term, and alternative definitions that may be used.

Reasons Why Dyslexia Should Be Called a Disability

Supporters of calling dyslexia a disability often cite one of the following reasons:

1. Dyslexia Causes Causes Reading and Spelling Difficulties

Dyslexia can cause great difficulty for a child or adult learning to read and spell. It can also cause difficulty for an individual trying to improve their reading and spelling. Without effective instruction, dyslexia can result in a child or adult reading poorly, or in some cases, not being able to read at all. As a result, some say that the term disability is appropriate for dyslexia.

2. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Includes Dyslexia

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal special education law, includes dyslexia as a Specific Learning Disability (SLD). The IDEA, along with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), define the rights of students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities in the public school system and provides for them to have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). To qualify for an IEP, a student must have one or more of the 13 disabilities that are listed in the IDEA. As a result, it is necessary to refer to dyslexia as a learning disability in order to receive public school special education services.

3. Dyslexia is Diagnosed by a Doctor or Psychologist

To receive an official diagnosis of dyslexia, a formal dyslexia evaluation must be performed by a doctor or psychologist who specializes in learning disabilities and cognitive disabilities.

Reasons Why Dyslexia Should Not Be Called a Disability

Opponents of dyslexia being called a disability say that using this term for dyslexia may be misleading or harmful. They often cite one of the following reasons:

1. Calling Dyslexia a Disability Implies Inability to Read

Opponents to calling dyslexia a disability say that the term is misleading, because it seems to imply that children or adults with dyslexia cannot read, or cannot learn to read. This is not true. A child or adult who receives instruction from a qualified tutor or teacher using a structured literacy method, such as Orton-Gillingham, can learn to read and spell proficiently.

2. The Term May Discourage a Child or Harm Self-Esteem

Some parents are opposed to calling dyslexia a disability, because they feel that there is a stigma attached to the term. They feel that their child with dyslexia may become discouraged or suffer low self-esteem, if they are labeled as having a disability. Parents may also be concerned that their child will be put in special education services that address other learning disabilities, but not dyslexia.

3. Kids and Adults with Dyslexia Can Learn to Read

Kids and adults with dyslexia are fully capable of learning to read and spell, and simply need a different instructional method than is often used. Opponents of calling dyslexia a disability sometimes cite that effective instructional methods for students with dyslexia are also highly effective for all students, and in fact, should be implemented across the board. Since there is a clear path to children and adults with dyslexia being able to read, they believe that using the term disability for dyslexia is inaccurate.

Alternatives to Calling Dyslexia a Disability

As an alternative to calling dyslexia a disability, some experts and parents refer to it as a learning difference. The term learning difference implies that a child or adult with dyslexia can learn to read and spell, but may require a different instructional method than is typically used for those who do not have dyslexia. Using this term can also encompass the unique learning style that individuals with dyslexia may have.

Summary

People sometimes disagree on whether or not to call dyslexia a disability. Regardless of the terminology used to describe dyslexia, the most important thing is that we fully understand dyslexia and how to properly treat it. We want to ensure that kids with dyslexia are taught in a way that will help them become proficient readers.

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