Wyoming Declares October Dyslexia Awareness Month — Advocates Say This Time Feels Different

At the State Capitol on Monday, Gov. Mark Gordon signed a proclamation recognizing October as Dyslexia Awareness Month, a symbolic act that drew parents, students and advocates to Cheyenne — and, they say, marks real momentum for literacy in Wyoming, WV News reports.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder called it “a very exciting time,” adding during the ceremony that she thinks “the momentum happening in state of Wyoming around literacy and dyslexia interventions is tremendous, more than we’ve ever seen.” The proclamation signals support for an estimated 9,500 to 14,000 Wyoming children with dyslexia — once commonly called “word blindness.”

Members of WYO Right to Read were front and center and quick to point out why this proclamation stood out. Kari Roden said what made it different was who showed up — and who’s now working together.

“What made this one stand out was the fact that we had the Department of Education, specifically Superintendent Megan Degenfelder, that we are partnering with and working with to make sure that literacy is a right for all citizens of Wyoming, not just a privilege.”

The nonprofit says the announcement is a starting line, not a finish. Its mission is to ensure every child with dyslexia or related reading difficulties receives evidence-based instruction, with a long-term goal of getting 85% of students reading at grade level. Chandel Pine of WYO Right to Read and Paul’s Mountain, Advocacy for Literacy, said the next step is policy. She hopes a committee brings forward legislation next year with all the “key components” and noted that, because it’s a budget session, any bill will need a two-thirds vote in both chambers.

“This is just the kickoff to this journey that we’re on,” Pine said.

Advocates also flagged an upcoming community event meant to turn awareness into understanding. The “Dyslexia Simulation & Awareness Event” is set for Thursday, Oct. 9, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Laramie County Library in Cheyenne, where attendees can experience the challenges dyslexic students face and learn what effective instruction looks like.

For families who’ve pushed for years, the governor’s pen is only part of the story. The bigger one, they say, is that state leaders, schools, and parents are finally pulling in the same direction — and that’s how awareness turns into action.