Description

Kansas has officially recognized dyslexia as a learning disability — a historic moment years in the making. But what does that recognition actually mean for families, educators, and students?

In this episode of My Child Can’t Read: A Heartland Crisis, we explore how dyslexia language finally entered Kansas law, the advocacy and relationships behind that change, and the reality that recognition alone does not fix instruction, training, or access.

You’ll hear from Rob Egan, longtime disability rights advocate, nonprofit leader, and former chair of the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns, as he traces the unexpected path that connected legislative strategy, parent advocates, and literacy leaders — including advocates from Phillips Fundamental Learning Center — to meaningful policy change.

This conversation unpacks why advocacy is often quiet and persistent, why implementation matters as much as legislation, and why this moment is both a beginning and a challenge for literacy in Kansas.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

• How dyslexia was formally recognized in Kansas law
• Rob Egan’s personal path into disability and literacy advocacy
• The legislative strategy that made recognition possible
• Why policy does not automatically change classroom instruction
• How teacher preparation, the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy, and training gaps intersect
• Why recognition opens doors — and exposes system weaknesses

Key Quote

“Recognition is not the end. It’s the beginning.” — Rob Egan

Call to Action

Parents, teachers, advocates, and policymakers each play a role in turning recognition into real support. Stay informed, align instruction with evidence-based practices, and share this episode with someone beginning their advocacy journey. Recognition matters — but follow-through changes outcomes.

🎧 Subscribe to continue Season 3.
Next Episode: When the System Says No — Grassroots Organizing

📌 Sources & References

• Kansas Legislature. Statutory recognition of dyslexia as a learning disability (2023).
• Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns (KCDC): https://kcdd.org/
• Kansas Board of Regents. Kansas Blueprint for Literacy — Overview:
  https://www.kansasregents.gov/about/kansas-blueprint-for-literacy/blueprint-overview
• Kansas State Department of Education. Science of Reading licensure requirement & Seal of Literacy:
  https://ksde.gov/Home/Quick-Links/News-Room/Weekly-News/Reporting-and-Operations/ArtMID/6189/ArticleID/3563/Science-of-reading-teacher-licensure-requirement
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): https://sites.ed.gov/idea/
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html

 

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