Educate, Advocate, and Empower

We strive to raise dyslexia awareness, empower families to support their children, and improve resources for students with dyslexia in Minnesota educational systems.

MN Statute 125A.01
“Dyslexia” means a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate or fluent recognition of words and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.

Understanding Dyslexia

About Dyslexia

Learn about dyslexia and what signs to look for.

Learn About Dyslexia

Diagnosing Dyslexia

Explore the benefits of evaluating and diagnosing students with dyslexia.

Learn About Diagnosis

After Diagnosis

Navigate the process of requesting an IEP or 504 for your child with the school.

Learn Where to Start

Partners for Parents
Our Partners for Parents program is one of the few services in Minnesota that personally guides families of struggling readers on how to navigate the school system and advocate for their children.

 

Shape Policies and Systems Change

Create a learning environment in which every child can reach their potential.

Decoding Dyslexia Minnesota will assist you in advocating for your child. We will work with your school district and help you take further action in your community.

About
5–20%
of the population as a whole have some symptoms of dyslexia.

 
65%
of fourth graders are not reading proficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2015, the definition of dyslexia was passed into MN Statute – MN Statute 125A.01,subd 2:  “Dyslexia” means a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate or fluent recognition of words and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge. Students who have a dyslexia diagnosis must meet the state and federal eligibility criteria in order to qualify for special education services.

About 3-4% of the school population nationwide has a learning disability in reading that qualifies them for special education. Many more people—perhaps as many as 5–20% of the population as a whole—have some of the symptoms of dyslexia, including slow or inaccurate reading, poor spelling, poor writing, or mixing up similar words. Even though they may not qualify for special education, they still struggle with many aspects of academic learning.