By Patrice Rachlin, Special Education Specialist
As many as 5 to 20 percent of students are affected by dyslexia, dysgraphia and/or dyscalculia.
Although dyslexia, dysgraphia and/or dyscalculia alone are not disability classifications under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or NYS Education Commissioner’s Regulations, there is nothing in federal or NYS law or regulations that prohibits the inclusion of the terms dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia in a student’s special education evaluation materials or in his/her IEP.
The use of specific terms, as appropriate, along with detailed descriptions of your student’s learning characteristics, supports the development of an IEP that enables your student to make progress on individualized annual goals and to participate and progress in the general education curriculum.
Here is some additional information from the NYS Education Department:
- Overview of Chapter 216 with a summary letter about meeting the needs of students with dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia.
- Flowchart to help identify student needs within a multi-tiered system of support.
- Q&A that defines terms, gives clear information about what specialized instruction is, gives an overview of what should be included in specialized instruction for students.
Did You Know…
In August 2018, school districts were informed of new guidance on students with disabilities resulting from dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia, otherwise known as Chapter 216 of the Laws of 2017.
Chapter 216 amends NYS Education Law to include provisions for the NYS Education Department (NYSED), in cooperation with stakeholders, to issue guidance on the unique educational needs of students with dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia, and clarify that school districts may reference or use the terms dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia in evaluations, eligibility determinations, or developing an individualized education program under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.