Michigan Dyslexia Resources
Dyslexia screening starts in 2027-28. Ask your school for an evaluation now and get free parent support.
More about dyslexia help in Michigan
Michigan has dyslexia laws and an official handbook. Expanded screening and reading instruction requirements begin in the 2027-28 school year.
Families can request a special education evaluation now. The school must respond within 10 school days; the evaluation and eligibility deadline is 30 school days after consent, unless extended in writing.
- 2027–28Screening law starts
- 25%4th graders at Proficient
- FreeParent help with IEPs
- 45Places to get help
Start here
The go-to contacts for families in Michigan.
Free parent help
Michigan Alliance for Families
Get parent mentoring, special education information, and free family workshops.
FreeEspañolالعربيةState dyslexia guidance
Michigan Department of Education K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law
Read Michigan dyslexia guidance, the handbook, and literacy-law resources.
Special education office
Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education
Ask special education questions and find evaluation, IEP, and parent-rights guidance.
More go-to contacts
Parent-led dyslexia group
Decoding Dyslexia Michigan(opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia association
International Dyslexia Association Michigan Branch(opens in a new tab)
How to get help in Michigan
The steps and deadlines in Michigan rules.
Put your request in writing
Ask your school district to evaluate suspected reading-related disability. Keep a copy of the request.
- Time limit: 10 school days
Get the school’s written response
The district must give written notice within 10 school days of your request and seek consent if it will evaluate.
- Time limit: 30 school days
Give consent for the evaluation
The evaluation and eligibility decision are due 30 school days after the district receives consent, unless extended in writing.
- Time limit: 10 school days
Review the plan and give consent
If eligible, help write the learning plan. You have 10 school days after the initial offer to consent to services.
- Time limit: 15 school days
Check that services begin
Initial services must start promptly, within 15 school days of consent, unless the plan specifies an agreed later date.
- Time limit: 7 days
Ask for help if you disagree
You can request an independent evaluation. The district must respond within 7 calendar days; mediation is also an option.
Michigan dyslexia law
Each answer opens to what the law says and where.
Dyslexia screening
Starts 2027–28
What it says
Now: K-3 reading checks three times a year. From 2027-28: dyslexia screening for every K-3 student, and older students with signs.
MCL 380.1280f(9)(a), (15)-(21); Public Act 146 of 2024 (2024)
Help after screening
Yes
What it says
Reading plans and intervention are required now; expanded dyslexia-related tiered support starts in 2027-28.
Teacher training
Starts 2027–28
What it says
By 2027-28, all staff who teach reading or give reading help in K-12 must be trained on dyslexia. More K-5 training follows in 2031-32.
MCL 380.1280f(7); 380.1531e; 380.1531k; PAs 146/147 (2024), 26 (2026) (2024)
Dyslexia defined in law
Yes
What it says
State law defines dyslexia as a specific learning disorder affecting word recognition, spelling, and decoding.
State dyslexia handbook
Yes
What it says
The education department publishes a dyslexia handbook and must review it at least every five years.
State dyslexia specialist
Partly
What it says
The state must provide dyslexia expertise and technical help; a separately named specialist position was not confirmed.
Science of reading law
Starts 2027–28
What it says
From 2027-28, reading lessons and materials must follow reading science, and reading help may not teach students to guess words.
- Compare dyslexia laws in every state
Dyslexia testing, tutoring and support in Michigan
Pick what you need.
Official help
What your state says schools must do.
Michigan Special Education Notice, Consent, and Procedural Safeguards (opens in a new tab)
Read parent rights and consent rules, with safeguards notices in many languages.
Help with IEPs and 504 plans
Free experts who know the rules.
Michigan Special Education Mediation Services (opens in a new tab)
Get free neutral mediation and IEP meeting facilitation for special education disagreements.
Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL) (opens in a new tab)
Serves Alger, Baraga, and 13 more counties
Disability self-advocacy, peer support, and assistive-device help across the Upper Peninsula.
Get tested
School testing is free. Clinics add detail.
Central Michigan University — Carls Center Speech-Language Pathology Clinic (opens in a new tab)
Language and literacy evaluation and treatment from a supervised university clinic
CNLD Neuropsychology — Dyslexia Testing (opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia and learning-disability evaluations for children and adults near Ann Arbor
Michigan Dyslexia Institute — Testing (opens in a new tab)
Language-skill and educational evaluations to plan dyslexia instruction
Michigan State University — Psychological Clinic (opens in a new tab)
Assessment of school achievement and learning disorders in East Lansing
University of Michigan — Mary A. Rackham Institute Testing (opens in a new tab)
Learning-disability testing for children, teens and adults
Western Michigan University — Psychology Clinic (opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia evaluations for children and adults; $300 testing fee plus a separate intake
Tutoring and programs
Explicit, structured reading help.
Grand Traverse Dyslexia Association (opens in a new tab)
One-to-one Orton-Gillingham tutoring and reading screening in Traverse City
Great Lakes Bay Region Children’s Dyslexia Center (opens in a new tab)
Free one-to-one reading tutoring for children with dyslexia
Michigan Dyslexia Institute — Student Instruction (opens in a new tab)
One-to-one Orton-Gillingham instruction for all ages, with need-based scholarships
SLD Read — Tutoring and Intervention (opens in a new tab)
One-to-one Orton-Gillingham tutoring with income-based fees and scholarships
Southeastern Michigan Children’s Dyslexia Center (opens in a new tab)
Free one-to-one reading tutoring for children with dyslexia
Western Michigan University — McGinnis Reading Center and Clinic (opens in a new tab)
Individual and small-group literacy tutoring for kindergarten through eighth grade
Audiobooks and tech
Keep learning while reading catches up.
Great Lakes Talking Books (opens in a new tab)
Serves Alger, Baraga, and 15 more counties
Free audiobooks and playback equipment for eligible Upper Peninsula and northeast Michigan readers.
Michigan Assistive Technology Program (opens in a new tab)
Try assistive technology through free demonstrations and short-term device loans.
Northville District Library — Dyslexic Collection (opens in a new tab)
Serves Northville
Youth books selected for accessible print, plus help with ebook display settings.
The Larry Gorton Talking Book Library (opens in a new tab)
Serves Grand Traverse, Antrim, and 6 more counties
Free audiobooks, Braille books, and players for eligible readers in eight northern counties.
Parent groups
Families who have been there.
Disability Network Northern Michigan (opens in a new tab)
Serves Alpena, Antrim, and 15 more counties
Parent peer support, disability resources, and help with self-advocacy in Northern Michigan.
Learning Disabilities Association of Michigan (opens in a new tab)
Find learning-disability information, practical resources, and parent and educator updates.
Learn about dyslexia
Plain guides from trusted experts.
University of Michigan DyslexiaHelp (opens in a new tab)
Read dyslexia guides, app lists, and explanations of therapy and tutoring.
For adults
It is never too late to get help.
Branch County Literacy Council (opens in a new tab)
Serves Branch County
Free adult help with reading, writing, math, and English in Branch County.
Disability Rights Michigan Client Assistance Program (opens in a new tab)
Ask for help with vocational rehabilitation access, delays, or eligibility disagreements.
Elaine Bacon Literacy Program (opens in a new tab)
Serves Houghton and Hancock
Free English reading, writing, and speaking help for international adults around Houghton and Hancock.
Kalamazoo Literacy Council (opens in a new tab)
Serves Kalamazoo County
Free reading and writing help for adults in Kalamazoo County.
Northwest Michigan Works! Learning Labs (opens in a new tab)
Serves Antrim, Benzie, and 8 more counties
Free one-to-one reading, writing, and math help for adults aged 18 and older.
Oakland Literacy Council (opens in a new tab)
Serves Oakland County
Free adult reading and math help; a $45 testing fee can be waived for hardship.
For teachers
Orton-Gillingham and structured literacy training.
Central Michigan University — Structured Literacy Graduate Certificate (opens in a new tab)
Online, 18-credit graduate training in dyslexia assessment and structured literacy
Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District — Elementary Literacy Leaders Collaborative (opens in a new tab)
Serves Charlevoix, Emmet, and Antrim counties
Literacy leadership training for elementary school teams in the Charlevoix-Emmet region
Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle Educational Service District — Literacy (opens in a new tab)
Serves Cheboygan, Otsego, and Presque Isle counties
UFLI implementation training and literacy coaching for regional educators
Institute for Multi-Sensory Education — Michigan Teacher Training (opens in a new tab)
Orton-Gillingham and morphology training with Michigan continuing-education options
Michigan Dyslexia Institute — Orton-Gillingham Training (opens in a new tab)
Orton-Gillingham intervention training with a supervised practicum
Saginaw Intermediate School District — Structured Literacy Professional Learning (opens in a new tab)
Serves Saginaw County
Structured literacy professional learning support for Saginaw-area educators
SLD Read — Training and Workshops (opens in a new tab)
Structured-literacy training in explicit reading, writing and spelling instruction
Schools for dyslexia in Michigan
Each one has a documented reading program. Ask to see it.
15 of 17 shown
- Dyslexia school
Eton Academy(opens in a new tab)
Birmingham · Oakland County · Grades K-12
Private K-12 school in Birmingham for students who learn differently, including dyslexia.
Financial aid - PublicExtra reading help
Beach Elementary School(opens in a new tab)
Muskegon · Muskegon County · Grades K-5
UFLI foundational reading intervention for students needing extra support
- Public districtExtra reading help
Ewen-Trout Creek Consolidated School District(opens in a new tab)
Ontonagon County
Fundations phonics and SPIRE reading intervention documented in the district plan
- Public districtExtra reading help
Dexter Community Schools(opens in a new tab)
Washtenaw County
SIPPS reading intervention documented for young-fives through second grade
- Public districtExtra reading help
Dearborn Public Schools(opens in a new tab)
Wayne County
SIPPS small-group reading instruction for students needing extra support
- CharterClassroom program
Detroit Achievement Academy(opens in a new tab)
Detroit · Wayne County · Grades K-8
UFLI phonics for kindergarten through second grade at a free public charter school
- CharterClassroom program
Detroit Prep(opens in a new tab)
Detroit · Wayne County · Grades K-8
UFLI phonics for kindergarten through second grade at a free public charter school
- Public districtClassroom program
Hopkins Public Schools(opens in a new tab)
Allegan County
UFLI foundational reading instruction alongside the district reading curriculum
- Public districtClassroom program
Lansing School District(opens in a new tab)
Ingham County
UFLI phonics in the district kindergarten structured literacy guide
- Public districtClassroom program
Stockbridge Community Schools(opens in a new tab)
Ingham County
IMSE Orton-Gillingham instruction documented in the district
- Public districtClassroom program
Kenowa Hills Public Schools(opens in a new tab)
Kent County
UFLI instruction in the district literacy curriculum
- Public districtClassroom program
Midland Public Schools(opens in a new tab)
Midland County
Daily UFLI phonics in every kindergarten through second-grade classroom
- Public districtClassroom program
Zeeland Public Schools(opens in a new tab)
Zeeland · Ottawa County
Phonics First phonics lessons in kindergarten to grade 3 at its six elementary schools.
- Public districtClassroom program
Ann Arbor Public Schools(opens in a new tab)
Washtenaw County
UFLI phonics lessons in the district literacy curriculum
- Public districtClassroom program
Hamtramck Public Schools(opens in a new tab)
Wayne County
UFLI phonics within the elementary reading curriculum
- See all 6 in the Wayne County guide
Dyslexia help by county in Michigan
Local schools, groups, and services in each guide.
How Michigan 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.
Michigan dyslexia questions
When does Michigan require dyslexia screening?
Expanded dyslexia screening starts in 2027-28. It covers K-3 students three times yearly and grades 4-12 students with specified concerns, with rules for transfers and English learners.
SourceCan my child get reading help before 2027?
Yes. Michigan already requires reading plans and intervention for K-3 reading deficiencies; families can request a disability evaluation now.
SourceHow long does a school evaluation take?
The district must respond within 10 school days of a written request. Evaluation and the eligibility decision or initial service offer are due within 30 school days after consent, unless extended in writing.
SourceDoes a screening result decide special education eligibility?
No. A school evaluation and an eligibility decision are required before a student receives special education programs and services.
SourceWhat if I disagree with the school’s evaluation?
You can request an independent evaluation at public expense. The district must respond within 7 calendar days and either fund it or initiate a hearing to defend its evaluation.
SourceIs mediation available?
A parent or school district can request mediation to try to resolve a special education dispute by agreement.
SourceWhere can I get free help with an IEP or 504 plan in Michigan?
Michigan Alliance for Families (800-552-4821) and Disability Rights Michigan (800-288-5923) help families for free, by phone or in meetings with the school.
Can someone with dyslexia get free audiobooks in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library (1-800-992-9012) lends free audiobooks to readers whose dyslexia makes print hard to read.
How well do students read in Michigan?
In 2024, 25% of Michigan 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
Learn more
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Sources for this page (8)
- Michigan Compiled Laws 380.1280f — Subsection (22) begins 2027-28; subsection (23) restricts guessing-based word recognition, with stated exceptions.
- Michigan Compiled Laws 380.1531e — Teacher preparation program approval requires dyslexia instruction by September 30, 2027, with specified waivers.
- Michigan Compiled Laws 380.1531k — Public Act 26 of 2026: specified K-5 reading/language arts personnel must complete designated professional learning, with exemptions and implementation conditions.
- Michigan K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law — Official law hub links the handbook; its PDF title uses Literacy rather than Life.
- Michigan special education rule R 340.1721b — Rule (1)(d): initial services start promptly, with specified notification/consent triggers and any agreed later date in the plan.
- Michigan special education rule R 340.1723c — District must give written response to independent educational evaluation request within seven calendar days; fund it or initiate hearing.
- Michigan special education rule R 340.1724d — Mediation is an option for special education disputes.
- Michigan special education evaluations and eligibility — Evaluation can be requested when disability is suspected; school team determines eligibility.
We list official, nonprofit, university, and well-known services, checked by people. No paid listings. Not legal or medical advice; confirm details with each organization.
Dyslexia resources in every state