Dr. Peter Eden Speaks about Dyslexia at U.S. House of Representatives Hearing
by Solvegi Shmulsky
.jpg)
WASHINGTON, D.C.--The U.S. House of Representatives held a hearing called "The Science of Dyslexia" on September 18, 2014. Headed by Chair Lamar Smith (R-Texas), the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology hosted a panel to speak about challenges, talents, and best practices associated with dyslexia, a reading disorder affecting between 5 and 17 percent of school-age children. The hearing was scheduled two weeks before National LD Awareness month, a 30-year October tradition to highlight and celebrate neurodiversity.
In opening remarks, Rep. Smith said this was one of the best attended hearings of the Committee. He called dyslexia the most common reading disability in America. He explained that despite being widely known, dyslexia is under-diagnosed and under-treated in the American education system. In a statement, Smith wrote, “We need to unleash the intelligence of people with dyslexia, like Einstein and da Vinci… We cannot afford for young, talented students not to reach their potential.”
.jpg)
Representatives Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) and Julia Brownley (D-California) were the first witnesses to speak at the hearing. They are cosponsoring House Resolution 456, which asks schools and government agencies to improve how dyslexia is addressed. In a statement released for the hearing, Rep. Cassidy wrote, “I firmly believe that by raising awareness of dyslexia we can change the way we educate our children and assist millions of children to get on the path to success.”
Following Cassidy and Brownley, panelists testified on the science—and personal experiences—of dyslexia. Dr. Peter Eden, president of Landmark College, focused on dyslexia in higher education. He noted that while most high school students who have a learning disability receive accommodations, those supports often dwindle in college, leading to poorer outcomes for many. Universal design for learning, mobile technologies, and cognitive training may be answers to that problem because they have the potential to make LD-friendly education “ubiquitous.”
Eden continued to highlight research grants at the College to develop novel uses of technology to increase learning and creativity. He concluded by saying, “There’s a huge untapped potential of skilled workers, including in STEM fields.”
After each panelist gave an introductory statement, members of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology asked questions. Rep. Smith closed the hearing, thanking participants for “one of the best hearings ever.”
The Full Committee Hearing on the Science of Dyslexia
.jpg)
Panelists
Dr. Sally Shaywitz, co-director of the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity and professor at the Yale School of Medicine
Mr. Max Brooks, author and screenwriter
Ms. Stacy Antie, parent and advocate
Dr. Peter Eden, president of Landmark College
Dr. Guinevere Eden, director of the Center for the Study of Learning and professor of pediatrics at Georgetown University Medical Center
Landmark College was the first institution of higher learning to pioneer college-level studies for students with dyslexia. Today, Landmark College is a global leader in integrated teaching methods for students with learning disabilities (including dyslexia), ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The College offers two- and four-year degree options, a graduate-level certificate in universal design with technology integration, and summer programs for students who learn differently. Students, faculty, and professionals from around the world are drawn to Landmark College for its innovative educational model, designed through research and practice to help all students become confident, empowered, and independently successful learners.