Kentucky Dyslexia Resources
Kentucky requires early literacy screening and district dyslexia policies for kindergarten through grade 3.
More about dyslexia help in Kentucky
Kentucky defines dyslexia in state law and publishes a kindergarten-through-grade-3 toolkit. House Bill 253, enacted in 2026, requires each local board to establish a K-3 dyslexia policy.
Ask the school for an evaluation in writing and sign the consent form. Within 60 school days, the school must finish the evaluation and, if your child qualifies, start services.
Start here
The go-to contacts for families in Kentucky.
Free parent help
Kentucky Special Parent Involvement Network (KY-SPIN)
Free statewide help with special education rights and IEP meetings.
FreeState dyslexia guidance
Kentucky Department of Education — Dyslexia Guidance
State dyslexia toolkit, screening and district policy guidance.
FreeSpecial education office
Kentucky Department of Education — Office of Special Education and Early Learning
State special education office and family rights resources.
Free
More go-to contacts
Parent-led dyslexia group
Decoding Dyslexia Kentucky(opens in a new tab)
Department of education
Kentucky Department of Education(opens in a new tab)
Adult reading help
Kentucky Adult Education(opens in a new tab)
How to get help in Kentucky
The steps and deadlines in Kentucky rules.
Write the request
Send the school a written request for an evaluation and keep a copy. You do not have to wait for reading intervention to end.
Give written consent
Sign the consent form so testing can start. The school cannot delay testing because your child is in reading intervention.
- Time limit: 60 school days
Track evaluation and service dates
Within 60 school days of your consent, the school must evaluate and, if your child qualifies, start services. Moving districts or missed testing can change it.
- Time limit: 30 days
Write the IEP together
Meet within 30 calendar days after your child is found eligible. Kentucky calls the IEP team the admissions and release committee; you are on it.
Ask for an independent evaluation
If you disagree with the school's evaluation, ask for an independent one at public expense. The district must pay or quickly ask for a hearing.
Use dispute resolution
Ask for state-funded mediation, file a signed state complaint, or request a due-process hearing. KY-SPIN can explain your options.
Kentucky dyslexia law
Each answer opens to what the law says and where.
Dyslexia screening
Yes
What it says
K screening: first 45 days; grades 1-3: first 30 days. K-1 also screen in the final 14 instructional days.
KRS 158.305(5)-(7) (2025)
Help after screening
Yes
What it says
K-3 students needing faster reading progress must have reading improvement plans; boards must also adopt dyslexia policies.
Teacher training
Yes
What it says
Now: districts must get all preschool to grade 5 teachers through approved reading-science training by June 30, 2029.
Dyslexia defined in law
Yes
What it says
State law defines dyslexia as a neurological specific learning disability affecting word recognition, spelling and decoding.
KRS 158.307 (2018)
State dyslexia handbook
Yes
What it says
The Kentucky Department of Education publishes a kindergarten-to-grade-3 Dyslexia Toolkit for educators and families.
KRS 158.307 (2018)
State dyslexia specialist
Not sure
What it says
The education agency provides dyslexia and early-literacy guidance, but a designated state dyslexia specialist was not confirmed.
Science of reading law
Yes
What it says
Now: reading materials must be evidence-based, and training in three-cueing is banned. Three-cueing in classrooms must end by 2029-30.
HB 253 (2026), section 1 (2026)
- Compare dyslexia laws in every state
Dyslexia testing, tutoring and support in Kentucky
Pick what you need.
Get tested
School testing is free. Clinics add detail.
Meredith-Dunn Evaluation and Diagnostic Center (opens in a new tab)
Learning evaluations for school-age students from any school, through a separate diagnostic center.
University of Kentucky Harris Center Assessments (opens in a new tab)
Learning-disability assessments for adults; ages 6-17 considered case by case, with a waitlist.
Tutoring and programs
Explicit, structured reading help.
Carnegie Center Tutoring (opens in a new tab)
Weekly reading or math tutoring for Kentucky K-12 students, in Lexington or online; reduced fees.
Dyslexia Association of the Pennyrile (opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia screening and one-to-one structured-language tutoring in Hopkinsville, with scholarships.
Hindman Settlement School Dyslexia Intervention Program (opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia screening and reading tutoring in eastern Kentucky and online, with financial assistance.
Meredith-Dunn School Community Tutoring (opens in a new tab)
After-school and summer tutoring for students from any school; hourly fees apply.
Mills Academy Reading Intervention (opens in a new tab)
One-to-one reading lessons in Louisville from staff trained in Orton-Gillingham, Wilson and S.P.I.R.E.
University of Kentucky Literacy Clinic (opens in a new tab)
Free reading assessment and tutoring for accepted school-age readers; not dyslexia diagnosis.
Western Kentucky University Literacy Clinic (opens in a new tab)
Free tutoring for accepted readers in grades 2-12, with instructional reading assessments.
Audiobooks and tech
Keep learning while reading catches up.
Kentucky Assistive Technology Services Network (opens in a new tab)
Free technology information, plus short-term device loans and demonstrations statewide.
Parent groups
Families who have been there.
Learning Disabilities Association of Kentucky (opens in a new tab)
Learning-disability information, support and advocacy for Kentucky students and adults.
For adults
It is never too late to get help.
Big Sandy Community and Technical College Adult Education (opens in a new tab)
Free adult basic education at eastern Kentucky sites and online, for ages 18 and older.
West Kentucky Community and Technical College Adult Education (opens in a new tab)
Free adult reading instruction and high-school-equivalency preparation in Paducah, with online options.
For teachers
Orton-Gillingham and structured literacy training.
Collaborative Center for Literacy Development (opens in a new tab)
Literacy research and training for Kentucky educators and adult literacy providers.
Kentucky Reading Academies (opens in a new tab)
Free state-paid courses for Kentucky public school teachers on how to teach reading.
The Reading League Kentucky (opens in a new tab)
Kentucky nonprofit that helps teachers learn research-based ways to teach reading.
Thomas More University Dyslexia Institute (opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia information and educator professional learning in Northern Kentucky.
Schools for dyslexia in Kentucky
Each one has a documented reading program. Ask to see it.
4 of 4 shown
- Dyslexia school
The Lexington School Learning Center(opens in a new tab)
Lexington · Fayette County · Grades 1-8
Specialized school-within-a-school for dyslexia and language-based learning differences.
- Dyslexia school
Meredith-Dunn School(opens in a new tab)
Louisville · Jefferson County · Grades 1-8
Specialized school using Wilson for language-based learning disabilities.
Financial aid - Dyslexia school
The de Paul School(opens in a new tab)
Louisville · Jefferson County · Grades K-8
K-8 school in Louisville for students with dyslexia and ADHD, taught with structured literacy.
Financial aid - Public districtExtra reading help
Corbin Independent Schools(opens in a new tab)
Corbin · Whitley County
Small-group S.P.I.R.E. reading lessons for students in kindergarten to grade 5, reported in 2023.
How Kentucky reads
Students and adults, next to the whole U.S.
4th graders reading at Proficient
Public schools. The Nation's Report Card (NAEP), 2024
8th graders reading at Proficient
Public schools. The Nation's Report Card (NAEP), 2024
Adults who struggle to read
Ages 16 to 74 at or below Level 1 in a national adult skills survey (PIAAC), data through 2017
NAEP Proficient is a high bar, not the same as “on grade level.” Adult figures are model estimates. Sources: The Nation’s Report Card and the U.S. PIAAC Skills Map, both from NCES.
See reading scores in every stateAlso good, in every state
Bookshare (opens in a new tab)
Ebooks read aloud with highlighting, free for U.S. students with dyslexia; adults pay a yearly fee.
Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) (opens in a new tab)
Find your state's federally funded parent center for help with special education.
International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Provider Directory (opens in a new tab)
Search IDA's directory for dyslexia testing, tutoring, therapy, and advocacy near you.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) (opens in a new tab)
Free, confidential advice on job accommodations for adults with dyslexia, by phone or email.
Learning Ally (opens in a new tab)
Human-read audiobooks for students with dyslexia. Families pay yearly; your school may already offer it.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) (opens in a new tab)
Free audiobooks by mail or app for children and adults with a reading disability like dyslexia.
Kentucky dyslexia questions
Does Kentucky define dyslexia?
Yes. KRS 158.307 defines dyslexia as a neurological specific learning disability affecting word recognition, spelling and decoding.
SourceIs reading screening a diagnosis?
No. Kentucky screens K-3 students for reading risk, but screening does not replace a full school evaluation or clinical diagnosis.
SourceHow long does a Kentucky school evaluation take?
Up to 60 school days after you sign consent, including the start of services if your child qualifies. The limit can change if your child moves districts or is repeatedly not brought to testing.
SourceWho can help with an IEP in Kentucky?
KY-SPIN is the statewide federally funded parent center and offers free information, training and one-to-one support. It does not provide legal representation.
SourceCan a student with dyslexia get audiobooks?
The Kentucky Talking Book Library lists dyslexia as a reading disability that can qualify a person for free service.
SourceWhat is a 504 plan?
A 504 plan gives a student disability-related accommodations for equal access at school. Ask the school to evaluate whether your student needs one.
SourceWhere can I get free help with an IEP or 504 plan in Kentucky?
Kentucky Special Parent Involvement Network (KY-SPIN) (800-525-7746) and Kentucky Protection & Advocacy (800-372-2988) help families for free, by phone or in meetings with the school.
Are there schools for dyslexia in Kentucky?
Yes. This guide lists 3 schools built for students with dyslexia: Meredith-Dunn School (Louisville), The de Paul School (Louisville), The Lexington School Learning Center (Lexington). Public districts with reading programs are listed too.
How well do students read in Kentucky?
In 2024, 33% of Kentucky 4th graders scored Proficient in reading on the NAEP test (U.S.: 30%). Proficient is a high bar: solid grade-level reading and more.
Neighboring states
- Illinois dyslexia resources27 places to get help
- Indiana dyslexia resources23 places to get help
- Missouri dyslexia resources27 places to get help
- Ohio dyslexia resources34 places to get help
- Tennessee dyslexia resources23 places to get help
- Virginia dyslexia resources25 places to get help
- West Virginia dyslexia resources22 places to get help
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Sources for this page (10)
- District Guidance on Dyslexia Policies — Guidance confirms an agency toolkit, not a named specialist position.
- Kentucky Dyslexia Toolkit
- Special Education Process, reviewed April 2025
- 707 KAR 1:320 sections 2 and 3 — IEP meeting occurs within the overall 60-school-day evaluation/service period. Section 3 includes parents as committee members.
- 707 KAR 1:340 sections 8-12
- Chapter 74, HB 253 — Sections 1(3)-(5): instructional three-cueing ban in 2029-30; professional-development prohibition now; violation notices begin 2030-31.
- HB253 official action history — April 10, 2026; signed emergency law, not pending bill.
- 707 KAR 1:002, day definitions — Section 1(20): day means calendar day unless business/school specified. Section 1(53): school day includes partial days students attend for instruction. Confirms day types used in process.
- Current KRS 158.305 — Section (7): K-3 accelerated reading intervention plans.
- Dyslexia Toolkit
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