Ohio Dyslexia Resources
Kindergarten dyslexia screening is required. Request an evaluation and get help from Ohio's parent center.
More about dyslexia help in Ohio
Ohio requires kindergarten dyslexia screening and screening on request in grades 1-6. Schools must use approved reading materials, with limits on guessing-based word recognition.
Ask for an evaluation in writing. The district has 30 calendar days to ask for your consent or say no in writing, then usually 60 days after consent to evaluate.
Start here
The go-to contacts for families in Ohio.
Free parent help
Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities
Parent help with special education rights, sample letters, and free training.
FreeState dyslexia guidance
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce — Dyslexia Supports
Official Ohio dyslexia law, screening, training, and guidebook information.
FreeSpecial education office
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce — Office for Exceptional Children
State special education office and parent-rights contact for Ohio families.
Free
More go-to contacts
Free legal advocacy
Disability Rights Ohio — Special Education(opens in a new tab)
Adult reading help
Ohio Aspire Adult Education(opens in a new tab)
How to get help in Ohio
The steps and deadlines in Ohio rules.
Ask for screening
Request dyslexia screening in grades 1-6. The school must screen on parent request, or teacher request with parent permission.
Request an evaluation in writing
Ask the district in writing to evaluate your student, and keep a copy. Reading help must not unnecessarily delay the evaluation.
- Time limit: 30 days
Get the district's written response
Within 30 calendar days of the request, the district must obtain consent or give written notice that it will not evaluate.
- Time limit: 60 days
Complete the evaluation
The evaluation is usually due within 60 calendar days after you give consent. A few exceptions apply, such as a move to another district.
Review eligibility and the learning plan
Start the initial IEP by the earliest deadline: 30 calendar days after eligibility, 90 after consent, or 120 after the evaluation request.
Ask for help if you disagree
If you disagree with the school evaluation, request an independent evaluation at public expense; mediation and complaints are options.
Ohio dyslexia law
Each answer opens to what the law says and where.
Dyslexia screening
Yes
What it says
Public-school kindergarten screening is required in the January-to-December window; grades 1-6 screening is required on request.
ORC 3323.251(A)-(B); HB 436 (2021), amended HB 33 (2023) (2021)
Help after screening
Yes
What it says
At-risk students get progress checks and further screening; students with reading deficiencies must receive reading plans and support.
Teacher training
Yes
What it says
Covered K-3 and special education K-12 teachers need dyslexia training; existing-staff deadlines were 2023-25, with later new-hire rules.
ORC 3319.077; dyslexia professional development guidance (2021)
Dyslexia defined in law
Yes
What it says
Ohio defines dyslexia as a neurological learning disorder with unexpected difficulty recognizing words, spelling and decoding.
State dyslexia handbook
Yes
What it says
Ohio publishes a dyslexia guidebook with screening, intervention and remediation guidance, updated as needed.
State dyslexia specialist
Partly
What it says
Ohio requires a dyslexia committee and school teams with dyslexia expertise; a separate state coordinator position was not confirmed.
Science of reading law
Yes
What it says
Since 2024-25, schools must use approved reading materials; guessing-based word recognition is restricted in pre-K through grade 5.
ORC 3313.6028(C)-(D); HB 33 (2023), current amendments effective October 9, 2026 (2023)
- Compare dyslexia laws in every state
Dyslexia testing, tutoring and support in Ohio
Pick what you need.
Official help
What your state says schools must do.
Ohio State Support Teams (opens in a new tab)
Free regional support for schools working on literacy and services for students with disabilities.
Get tested
School testing is free. Clinics add detail.
Cincinnati Children's Reading and Literacy Discovery Center (opens in a new tab)
Hospital reading and writing evaluations and treatment for eligible students age 6 and older.
Lawrence School Schafer Center (opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia evaluations, reading screening, and tutoring with fees based on family means.
Ohio University Psychology and Social Work Clinic (opens in a new tab)
Learning-disability assessments for students and adults in Athens; ask about current availability.
Sophia Center Educational Testing (opens in a new tab)
Educational testing for dyslexia and other learning difficulties near Toledo.
Springer Diagnostic Center (opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia testing for K-12 students, with sliding-scale evaluation fees.
The Ohio State University at Newark Dyslexia Screening (opens in a new tab)
Free one-time, non-diagnostic dyslexia screening for children and adults.
University of Cincinnati Dyslexia Assessment (opens in a new tab)
Low-cost dyslexia diagnostic assessment for eligible students in grade 3 and above.
Tutoring and programs
Explicit, structured reading help.
Children's Dyslexia Center — Canton (opens in a new tab)
Free dyslexia tutoring for children in Canton and training for tutors.
Children's Dyslexia Center — Cincinnati (opens in a new tab)
Free dyslexia tutoring for children at the Cincinnati center and training for tutors.
Children's Dyslexia Center — Cleveland (opens in a new tab)
Free dyslexia tutoring for children at the Rocky River center and training for tutors.
Children’s Dyslexia Center — Columbus (opens in a new tab)
Free Orton-Gillingham tutoring for children in central Ohio; a waiting list is typical.
Children’s Dyslexia Center — Dayton (opens in a new tab)
Serves Auglaize, Clark, and 7 more counties
Tuition-free dyslexia tutoring for children ages 6-18 in nine Miami Valley counties.
Children's Dyslexia Center — Southeastern Ohio (opens in a new tab)
Free dyslexia tutoring for children at the Cambridge center and training for tutors.
Marburn Academy Community Tutoring (opens in a new tab)
Orton-Gillingham tutoring for K-12 students; ask about aid and the next intake window.
Ohio Dyslexia Center (opens in a new tab)
One-to-one Orton-Gillingham-based tutoring and free screening in eastern Ohio.
Audiobooks and tech
Keep learning while reading catches up.
Assistive Technology of Ohio (opens in a new tab)
Borrow assistive technology free for 30 days to try it before you buy.
Parent groups
Families who have been there.
International Dyslexia Association Central Ohio (opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia information and parent and educator events in central Ohio, including online sessions.
International Dyslexia Association Northern Ohio (opens in a new tab)
Northeast Ohio dyslexia workshops, parent resources, and an annual symposium.
International Dyslexia Association Ohio Valley (opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia conferences, parent panels, helplines and teacher-training scholarships.
Learn about dyslexia
Plain guides from trusted experts.
Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center — Dyslexia Guide (opens in a new tab)
Ohio dyslexia guide, sample request letter, and translated text and audio versions.
For adults
It is never too late to get help.
Adult Literacy Ohio (opens in a new tab)
Reading tutoring for Ohio adults, with a few grants each session; others pay a fee.
Ohio University Career Ready Campus (opens in a new tab)
Free adult basic education and high school equivalency preparation, in person and online.
Owens Community College Aspire (opens in a new tab)
Tuition-free basic skills, high school equivalency, and English classes for eligible adults.
For teachers
Orton-Gillingham and structured literacy training.
Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio — Wilson Training (opens in a new tab)
Wilson Reading System, Fundations, and Just Words workshops and certification for educators.
Hamilton County Educational Service Center — Reading Training (opens in a new tab)
Online Orton-Gillingham training with a supervised teaching practicum for educators and tutors.
Schools for dyslexia in Ohio
Each one has a documented reading program. Ask to see it.
10 of 10 shown
- Dyslexia school
Lawrence School(opens in a new tab)
Broadview Heights · Cuyahoga County · Grades 2-12
Specialized grades 2-12 school with CodeBreakers, an Orton-Gillingham-based reading curriculum.
- Dyslexia school
Marburn Academy(opens in a new tab)
New Albany · Franklin County · Grades 1-12
Specialized grades 1-12 school using Orton-Gillingham teaching, with need-based financial aid.
Financial aid - Dyslexia school
Springer School and Center(opens in a new tab)
Cincinnati · Hamilton County · Grades 1-12
School for students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, grades 1-12; Wilson Reading in grades 1-8.
- Public districtExtra reading help
Fairfield Union Local School District(opens in a new tab)
Lancaster · Fairfield County
Fundations phonics in classrooms; Just Words and Wilson Reading for students who need more help.
Screens for dyslexia - Public districtExtra reading help
Hudson City Schools(opens in a new tab)
Summit County
Fundations phonics in K-2, Wilson Reading for students who need intensive help, and reading screening.
Screens for dyslexia - Public districtClassroom program
Ashtabula Area City Schools(opens in a new tab)
Ashtabula County
Classroom phonics lessons use Really Great Reading.
- Public districtClassroom program
Garfield Heights City Schools(opens in a new tab)
Cuyahoga County
Classroom phonics lessons use Fundations.
- Public districtClassroom program
Richmond Heights Local Schools(opens in a new tab)
Cuyahoga County
Fundations phonics in classrooms and for students who need extra help.
- Public districtClassroom program
Portsmouth City Schools(opens in a new tab)
Scioto County
Classroom lessons use Heggerty to teach the sounds in words.
- Public districtClassroom program
Perrysburg Schools(opens in a new tab)
Wood County
Kindergarten to grade 3 classes use Fundations phonics.
Dyslexia help by county in Ohio
Local schools, groups, and services in each guide.
How Ohio 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.
Ohio dyslexia questions
When is kindergarten dyslexia screening required?
The window starts January 1 of the kindergarten year and ends before January 1 of the next school year. Grades 1-6 screening is required on parent request or teacher request with parent permission.
SourceDoes screening decide special education eligibility?
No. Screening identifies instructional needs; the evaluation team and parent determine disability eligibility and whether special education is needed.
SourceHow long can a school evaluation take?
The district has 30 calendar days to ask for your consent or say no in writing. The evaluation is then usually due within 60 days after consent.
SourceCan the school wait for intervention before evaluating?
Intervention must not unnecessarily delay a disability evaluation. It may continue during the evaluation period.
SourceWhere can families get help with an IEP?
Ohio's federally funded parent center offers family help and free training. Call the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities at 844-382-5452.
SourceWhat if my child does not qualify for an IEP?
Your student may still get services through a Section 504 plan. Ask the school to check 504 eligibility.
SourceWhere can I get free help with an IEP or 504 plan in Ohio?
Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (844-382-5452) and Disability Rights Ohio — Special Education help families for free, by phone or in meetings with the school.
Are there schools for dyslexia in Ohio?
Yes. This guide lists 3 schools built for students with dyslexia: Lawrence School (Broadview Heights), Marburn Academy (New Albany), Springer School and Center (Cincinnati). Public districts with reading programs are listed too.
Can someone with dyslexia get free audiobooks in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled — Talking Books (1-800-362-1262) lends free audiobooks to readers whose dyslexia makes print hard to read.
How well do students read in Ohio?
In 2024, 32% of Ohio 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 (11)
- codes.ohio.gov — School multidisciplinary team requirement; committee and department support duties are not proof of a separately named statewide coordinator.
- codes.ohio.gov — Approved core materials pre-K-5; interventions pre-K-12. Three-cueing restrictions pre-K-5 with individual waiver/IEP exceptions. Current composite effective October 9, 2026 (SB19/HB455); distinguish enactment and implementation.
- A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education (2025) — Official PDF retained; evaluation, independent evaluation, mediation and complaint rights reviewed.
- education.ohio.gov
- codes.ohio.gov — B-C: reading-deficiency intervention and parent-involved plan; reading diagnostic distinct from clinical diagnosis.
- codes.ohio.gov — K-1 by 2023-24; grades 2-3 by September 15, 2024; special education 4-12 by September 15, 2025. Fine arts, music and PE teachers excluded; prior training can count.
- education.ohio.gov — Agency publishes the guidebook; statute requires electronic issue and updates as needed.
- codes.ohio.gov — Dyslexia definition; current code effective October 3, 2023. Original dyslexia-support law 2021, not first enacted in 2023.
- codes.ohio.gov — B(5)-(6) exceptions for repeated failure/refusal to produce child and transfers; H(3)(c) mutual written extension in specific-learning-disability evaluation.
- codes.ohio.gov — H(2): initial IEP developed and implemented by shortest of 30 calendar days after determination, 90 after consent or 120 after request. H(3): meeting within 30 days of determination.
- codes.ohio.gov — G: district must fund or seek hearing without unnecessary delay, subject to rule conditions. K: mediation, complaints and due process.
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Dyslexia resources in every state