But they are the exceptions. There are a far larger number of individuals who have the potential to contribute to society, but through lack of diagnosis, early intervention or needed accommodations, find their lives — and our nation — unnecessarily and unfairly diminished. We must take action, not only to ensure that we do not lose future Cosgroves and Greiders, but to ensure we do not lose the potential of even one dyslexic child.
As a start, we formed the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus. Just last week, we had our first event in the halls of Congress. We welcomed the overwhelming response to our screening of “The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia” with more than 150 attendees.
Just as we are able to come together on behalf of the children we love and the nation we serve, the country must come together to ensure that every dyslexic child and adult has a chance to read, to learn, and to demonstrate and realize his or her full potential.
Reps. Pete Stark (D-Calif.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) are co-chairmen of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus.
Rep. Bill Cassidy has his blood drawn by Alesha Barbour during a free hepatitis screening in the Rayburn House Office Building hosted by the Congressional Viral Hepatitis Caucus to recognize "National Viral Hepatitis Testing Day."
Roll Call has launched a new feature, Hill Navigator, to advise congressional staffers and would-be staffers on how to manage workplace issues on Capitol Hill. Please send us your questions — anything from office etiquette, to handling awkward moments, to what happens when the work life gets too personal. Submissions will be treated anonymously.
