The Neurodiversity Alliance is committed to amplifying the issues that impact neurodiverse students. On March 14th, 2024, The Neurodiversity Alliance, invited by State Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, was in Albany at the New York State Capital for Dyslexia Awareness Day. Dyslexia Awareness Day is an event dedicated to supporting the voices of young people and this year advocated for the New York State Legislature to pass several landmark Dyslexia Bills which focus on: 

• Requiring the science of reading and multisensory learning approaches to be integrated into literacy classes for existing and future teachers Senate Bill S6713 / Assembly Bill A4659.
• Requiring New York State’s Commissioner of Education to ensure that evidence-based approaches are used for dyslexia and dysgraphia screenings and how reading is taught. Assembly Bill A133 
• Any individual experiencing incarceration and doesn’t have a high-school diploma (or something equivalent) to receive a reading level assessment and dyslexia screening. Evidence-based intervention services will be provided for individuals who do not meet a specific reading proficiency score. Assembly Bill A1654 / State Senate Bill S2304
• Requiring schools to conduct dyslexia screenings for all children. Assembly Bill A4198 / State Senate Bill S5232
• Ensuring School districts and school classes provide all children with the education needed to develop and advance their reading skills. Additionally, teachers in grades pre-k through fifth participate in professional development courses in reading education that are evidence-based and culturally responsive. State Senate Bill S5480 / Assembly Bill A2897 
• Health insurance policies paying for neuropsychological exams for dyslexia. State Senate Bill S5481 / Assembly Bill A2898

These bills address some social, educational, and financial inequities that impact dyslexic individuals and their access to screenings, evaluations, and improved education outcomes. These bills are an essential move to meet the needs of dyslexic students, and we hope to see more states follow suit. 

At the event, dyslexic students, parents (sometimes on behalf of their children), teachers, and elected officials came to speak about their experiences of being dyslexic in school and the importance of passing this legislation. 

Mike Aronsson represented ND Alliance on a panel focused on dyslexic professionals and how dyslexia shaped the panelists’ educational and professional journey. Want to learn more about ways to build awareness and power with The Neurodiversity Alliance? Check us out at www.thendalliance.org or send us an email at [email protected] to connect. 

About the Author

Michael Aronsson (he/him/his) has ADHD and dyslexia with other language-based learning differences. Over the past several years, Michael has worked on electoral, candidate, and issue-based campaigns across the country. His most recent political experience was as a Deputy Organizing Director with the Colorado Democratic Party’s Coordinated Campaign during the 2022 midterm elections. The issue-based campaigns spanned from environmental, pro-choice, and criminal justice reform. Michael’s approach prioritized building relationships, coalitions, and following the lead of the communities he was organizing with. He also has worked in marketing and neuro-inclusion consulting. Michael received a B.A. in Psychology from Marymount Manhattan College. One of the things that made ND Alliance stand out for him is how it centers on intersectionality and disability justice. During his spare time, he likes working out, running, hiking, going to museums, and video games.