Albany, NY – On Thursday, May 14^th, 2026, Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon and Senator Robert Jackson, Zellnor Myrie, Julia Salazar, and Assemblymember Robert Carroll marked the 11th Annual Dyslexia & Literacy Advocacy Day. Students, families, advocates, and educators from across the state shared their personal experiences and systemic barriers they faced in learning how to read. Advocates highlighted policies that would improve literacy rates and ensure that students are screened early for dyslexia and related learning disabilities and get the support they need before they fall behind.

According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), referred to as the nation's report card, almost 70% of fourth graders in NY State scored below grade level in reading. At a time when the federal government is dismantling the US Department of Education, state action is critical. Trump’s recent comments falsely equating dyslexia with low IQ perpetuate harmful misinformation, stigmatize students with learning disabilities, and contradict research showing that students can thrive when given the proper support and instruction.

“We know what works when it comes to teaching children to read, yet too many students are still denied access to evidence-based literacy instruction and early support. Students and families shared what worked and the obstacles they faced to remind lawmakers of what is at stake if we fail to act. Their stories make it clear that it will take a multi-pronged effort from early screening to implementing effective literacy instruction in the classroom, and incorporating the science of reading into our Colleges of Education. Every child in New York deserves the chance to learn to read, and we have a responsibility to deliver on that promise,” said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon.

Participants met with legislators and took part in a public Speak Out where they shared personal stories about navigating school systems, accessing support services, and fighting for change. Attendees highlighted the need for legislation to ensure institutions of higher learning train future teachers in the evidence-based science of reading to improve literacy rates (S7341/A4780), ensure dyslexia screening for those who are incarcerated and lack a high school diploma or GED to prepare them for re-entry (S395/A1325), and require school districts to conduct early dyslexia screening for all children (S10235/A1186). 

“Too many children enter our classrooms carrying brilliance the system was never designed to recognize. When students with dyslexia are denied early support and evidence-based instruction, that is not a failure of the child. It is a failure of public policy. A just education system does not force children to fit the limits of outdated structures. It rises to meet the full intelligence, humanity, and potential of every learner. Literacy is not a privilege reserved for the fortunate few. It is a fundamental right, and our laws must reflect that truth,” said State Senator Robert Jackson. 

“Thanks to Assemblymember Simon and her team for organizing this great day and once again bringing people with dyslexia, their families, and other stakeholders together to advocate here in Albany for the needs and rights of students with dyslexia.This past December, Governor Hochul signed my legislation establishing a state Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia and I look forward to the center fulfilling its mandate to establish standards and guidance on best practices for dyslexia and dysgraphia screening, interventions, and professional development. We must also redouble our efforts to pass my “Right to Read” legislation (A.78) – with this New York would join states across the nation in comprehensively overhauling its approach to teaching childhood literacy. There is still a long way to go to ensure that all our children can become fluent readers and successful students but working together we are making real progress,” said Assemblymember Robert Carroll. 

“Dyslexia is a common learning disability, and research has shown that these students can thrive when given the proper support and instruction. Senate Bill 10235 would require schools in New York to conduct early dyslexia screening for all children so that we can ensure they are set up for success. With the worsening literary crisis, we must do everything we can to provide our students with the right tools and education, including support for students with dyslexia.” said State Senator Julia Salazar.  

“As a Black father of a child with dyslexia, this fight is deeply personal for me. I have watched my son struggle because he did not have access to the resources and support needed to teach him how to read. No parent should have to watch their child fall behind simply because the educational system was not prepared to meet their needs. Reading is a civil right. Every child deserves the opportunity to read, learn, and thrive, regardless of their race, zip code, or learning difference. Yet far too many Black and brown students continue to face barriers to early intervention, literacy support, and proper identification for dyslexia and other learning differences. That is why the NYC Education Council Consortium remains committed to advancing the science of reading and supporting legislation that strengthens literacy instruction for educators across New York State. Early intervention cannot wait. When we delay support for our children, we place their futures at risk. I am grateful to Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon for her unwavering commitment to literacy advocacy and for bringing together advocates, educators, and families for this important conversation,” said NeQuan C. McLean, President of the NYC Education Council Consortium. 

“We are grateful to join so many legislators who are working to ensure that all students have access to the instruction and support they need to learn to read,” said Ruth Genn, Executive Director of Literacy Academy Collective. “This is one of the greatest Civil Rights issues of our time, and the crisis is real for the students and families we hear from every day. But it doesn't have to be that way! Our students in South Bronx Literacy Academy, PS 642, the first district public school in the nation specifically designed to support struggling readers and students with dyslexia, are making incredible gains. We are so proud to announce that students at our new school, Central Brooklyn Literacy Academy, are getting the same incredible education. But we must not stop there because children across New York State deserve the same. They do not have time to wait. This is only the beginning.”

“The Windward School and the Windward Institute are proud to participate in the 11^th annual Dyslexia Advocacy Day which raises awareness for literacy initiatives and legislation designed to address New York’s literacy crisis. We hear firsthand from students and families joining our community about the struggles they face every day in mainstream schools. We believe every child, including those with language-based learning disabilities, deserve to achieve their full potential and every educator deserves access to training programs that work. This is a civil rights issue, and one that cannot be resolved without increased visibility about the issues, and steps we can collectively take to improve the educational landscape,” Jamie Williamson, Head of School.