New law to help Illinois students with dyslexia

CHICAGO (AP) – A new state law aims to help Illinois students with dyslexia.

The law entitles dyslexic students to special education services. It also creates a reading instruction advisory group that will train educators on how to identify and teach students with dyslexia.

Gov. Pat Quinn signed the measure on Saturday. The law is effective immediately.

The Illinois House and Senate unanimously supported the measure.

Sen. Melinda Bush is a Grayslake Democrat and co-sponsor of the bill. She says dyslexic students can fall behind quickly if their disability isn’t identified.  

In a statement, Quinn says the law will help Illinois students get the assistance they need to succeed. The Chicago Democrat says: “Many people throughout history have achieved greatness in spite of the challenges they faced with dyslexia.”