How Does the Identification of Dyslexia Relate to the Protection of Section 504?
Texas Legislature singled out dyslexia from other disabilities, which created a special program and procedures for eligibility students. Assessment of a student for dyslexia triggers the protections of Section 504. Dyslexia program eligibility and placement is determined by a committee of knowledgeable people – a properly constituted 504 Committee. Reference the State Dyslexia Handbook for details on Dyslexia Identification and Program Compliance Issues. State law added additional elements specific for dyslexia. While federal law only requires knowledge of the child, the meaning of the evaluation and the placement options, state law requires a higher level of knowledge with respect to reading and reading disorders when the eligibility of a child on the basis of dyslexia is concerned. When the 504 committee determines if the student is dyslexic they must also determine if the child should be served under Section 504. Merely having dyslexia does not qualify an individual as 504.
