Yes. Children with dyslexia can qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) if there is proof that the condition affects the child’s academic progress and special education services are therefore necessary.
This article discusses how parents in New York can apply for an IEP based on dyslexia. It also answers common questions about getting an IEP for a child with dyslexia. Finally, it explains how a therapeutic school in NYC might help.
What is Dyslexia?
The Cleveland Clinic defines dyslexia as “a learning disability that affects your ability to read, write, and spell accurately.” Dyslexia often involves difficulties with either:
- Sounding out new words (phonological dyslexia), or
- Recognizing words that aren’t spelled the way that they sound (surface dyslexia).
Some people have mixed dyslexia, a condition that combines both types.
Can Dyslexia Qualify for an IEP in New York?
Yes, but not automatically. To qualify for an IEP, the child must meet two separate criteria. First, they must have a disability that qualifies under the IDEA. Second, there must be evidence that the disability interferes with the child’s learning to the extent that special education services are necessary.
Qualifying Disability
The IDEA includes 13 categories of qualifying disabilities. One of these is “specific learning disability.” The IDEA regulations say that a specific learning disability is “a disorder … that may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell.” The regulations list dyslexia as an example. So, if your child has a dyslexia diagnosis, this prong should be easily met.
Need for Special Education Services
A dyslexia diagnosis alone is usually not enough to qualify for IEP services. You’ll also have to prove that your child’s dyslexia requires individualized instruction. This can be shown in several ways, including struggles with:
- Decoding (matching letters to sounds)
- Phonological processing (e.g., recognizing rhymes and breaking words into their component parts)
- Phonemic awareness (identifying the individual sounds in each word)
- Spelling
- Reading fluency (the ability to read accurately and at a reasonable pace for one’s age without too many pauses, skips, or errors)
- Reading comprehension
- Written expression
- Note-taking
Difficulties in these or other areas could support the need for individualized instruction.
How Do Parents in New York Request an IEP for a Child with Dyslexia?
The NYC IEP process has several steps, including referral, consent, evaluation, and eligibility determination.
Step 1 – Referral and Consent. A referral is a written request to have your child evaluated for special education services. While parents usually make the request, it can also come from a teacher or another adult listed under New York law.
After the referral, you’ll be asked to give your consent for the evaluation to proceed. Even if you made the referral, you must consent for the process to continue.
Step 2 – Evaluation. During the evaluation process, your child will take several tests to assess their academic skills. Children with dyslexia will likely be given tests that evaluate their language skills.
Step 3 – Eligibility Determination. Once the assessment phase is complete, the IEP team (which includes you, the parent) will determine if the results show evidence of a qualifying disability under the IDEA. As you prepare for the meeting, be sure to gather any evidence that might support your claims, such as:
- Any prior evaluations or diagnoses for dyslexia or other conditions
- Communications with teachers or tutors about your child’s reading abilities
- Old or current report cards that indicate concern with reading, spelling, or writing
- Homework or classwork examples
- Samples of writing done at home (e.g., birthday cards and notes)
Step 4 – IEP Development. If the team decides that your child has a qualifying disability, the team will next consider what your child needs. Often, students with dyslexia receive individual assistance with reading skills through specialized instruction in phonics, fluency, decoding, and spelling. The team will also decide if your child would benefit from instructional changes. Common changes for students with dyslexia include:
- Shortened reading assignments
- Offering alternative options for assignments requiring intensive reading
- Lower word length on written homework
- Modified vocabulary or spelling lists
- Ignoring dyslexia-related spelling errors
- Reduced weekly reading requirements (e.g., reading log)
- Lowered expectations for tasks that require reading aloud
- Altering requirements for book reports and similar assignments
The team will also set goals for your child. For example, it may state that your child’s reading fluency should increase from its current level to a specific number of words correct per minute (WCPM) by a certain timeframe.
Step 5 – Reevaluation. Your child’s IEP team must review the IEP at least once every year. This is a good time to raise any concerns you might have about your child’s progress and any changes you’d like to make.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dyslexia and IEPs in New York
- Can parents get their own dyslexia evaluation before the IEP process?
Yes, you can. The IEP must consider any private evaluation.
- Can a child with dyslexia get accommodations for state testing?
Yes. While IEPs generally focus on changes to the academic program (modifications), they can also include accommodations such as extended time on tests or separate testing rooms.
- Can my child receive support for dyslexia in middle school or high school?
Absolutely. Dyslexia does not go away as children get older. Fortunately, the IDEA applies to children until they graduate high school or turn 21.
- Can dyslexia affect my child in subjects other than English/Language Arts?
Yes. Dyslexia often affects the ability to learn a second language. It can also cause poor spelling and written work in other subjects.
How Can a Therapeutic School Like Academics West Help Students with Dyslexia?
Even when parents succeed at getting an IEP for their child, nearly half of parents are frustrated by how their child’s IEP is implemented. While traditional public schools and their employees do their best, large class sizes, rigid bell schedules, and other factors can make it difficult for them to provide 100% compliance.
By contrast, therapeutic schools have smaller class sizes. This allows teachers to easily adapt the curriculum to each student’s unique needs. These schools also teach social-emotional learning, a skill that helps students build the confidence they need to excel.
If your child has dyslexia and you think that a new school environment might help them succeed, consider Academics West. Our teachers are trained to help students with a wide range of learning issues, including dyslexia. To learn more about how we can help your child, use our online contact form to schedule a visit or a call with an admissions counselor.