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A state wide effort is being formed to get a Dyslexia Law passed in Ohio.
Our goal is that every representative and senator be contacted by the time the bill is presented. We want them to realize the importance of the passage of the bill.
Spread the word across the state!!! Links to contact your legislators are listed below.
1. Currently, we are working towards a draft bill. Once the concept for the bill has been determined and all of the details worked out, the Ohio Legislative Service Commission staff will draft the bill itself. The drafting process usually takes at least one month.
2. Once we have the bill as a rough draft, Representative Celeste’s office will work with the leading advocates to make sure the bill is correct and includes the issues we wish to address. This process takes as long as necessary to reach consensus. Detailed legislation could take weeks or months to make changes and to work out a final draft. (depending on all agreeing)
3. Once the bill draft is finalized and approved, Representative Celeste’s office will send a cosponsor request to all members of the Ohio House of Representatives. This is the time for advocates to contact legislators to request they “sign on to Representative Celeste’s Dyslexia bill as a cosponsor.” The usual timeframe for holding a cosponsor request open is 2-3 weeks; during that time, advocates should continue to contact legislators to contact legislators to encourage support
4. Once the cosponsors have been added, the bill is ready for its official introduction. It will be assigned a bill number and referred to a legislative committee. Depending on the legislative calendar, once introduced, a bill can receive its number and committee assignment within a few days time period.
5. After being assigned to a committee, the bill, at the discretion of the Chairman, will be scheduled for hearings..
The bill is necessary so students are screened and taught properly if they are dyslexic or at risk in reading. Most legislators no NOTHING about dyslexia. How are they going to be educated about it? This is our biggest problem. This is where each of you can help. Legislators listen to you! So…contact your legislators. It’s not as difficult as it may seem.
Legislators need to know what's happening, and what's NOT happening, in our schools. Many legislators who have been contacted say they did not realize that any problem existed.
We repeatedly get calls from frustrated parents whose children are dyslexic and struggling to read. They turn to their schools for help. They find that their school is not prepared to help them. Many have their child privately tested and privately tutored. We are paying for a free, public education. Where is the "free" education for these students.
Legislators need to know this. Tell them your story!! It only takes a call or email to convey this message to them. Better yet, meet in person with your Representative and/or Senator. Take some friends with you. Several voices send a stronger message!!!
To Contact Your Legislators:
Go to http://www.house.state.oh.us/ to search for your Representatives to the Ohio House. Click on Representatives in the menu bar. Choose View Members by Zip Code. When you click on the name of the Representative you will see his/her address, phone #, and email address. If you have difficulty finding your legislators, contact the Board of Elections: 513.632.7000.
Go to http://www.ohiosenate.gov/ to search for your Senator to the Ohio Senate. Go to the bottom left to "Find Your Senator", enter your zip code. Click on your Senator to find the needed information to contact him/her.
If you have difficulty finding your legislators, contact the Board of Elections: 513.632.7000 They are SO helpful!!!
When you do contact them let us know. We are keeping track of which districts still need to be contacted: call us at 513-651-4747 or email:
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For information about the first Ohio Dyslexia Awareness Day, download this pdf, or go to our Ohio Dyslexia Legislation Update page.
To arm yourself with information about dyslexia:
Go to the International Dyslexia Association’s website. In the menu bar, click on Information. Choose Fact Sheets. Go to Dyslexia Basics. Print this out and send it, or attach it to an email.
Join Facebook and the Ohio Dyslexia Group.
Go to www.Facebook.com and press the green button after you sign up (write down your password). After you log in and come to your site, look to the right for Applications in a box with Invite friends highlighted in green. Once you click on and enter the Groups page, type in Dyslexia Group at the top space (left of +Create a New Group). The next screen will show boxes relating to dyslexia. Place your cursor in the Ohio Dyslexia Group box and click on “join”.
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