Dyslexia Initiatives 2026 - BRIDGES: Unlocking Utah’s 1 in 5
Because reading isn’t just a school skill — it’s a communication need.
"My child struggled for years before we found the right support. BRIDGES gave us a roadmap and hope for the future."
“It’s about helping existing systems work better together—by inviting collaboration and keeping families at the center”
Utah’s Big Picture Thinkers
Utah is home to a wealth of “Big Picture” thinkers. For the 1 in 5 students with dyslexia, success requires a specific roadmap.
BRIDGES is our commitment to building the routes that connect a child’s unique potential to the specialized instruction they need to thrive. With a historic $80M investment in literacy proposed by Governor Spencer Cox, Utah has an unprecedented opportunity to ensure every child has a clear path to success.
Why It Matters: Literacy is Opportunity
Every child deserves a clear path to literacy. Currently, the system faces significant friction:
The 50% Gap
Only half of Utah 3rd graders are reading at grade level.
The The 1 in 5
Dyslexic thinking brings essential creativity and problem-solving to our workforce.
The “Wait-Tax”
Families face waitlists of 6–24 months for help, delaying critical early intervention.
The Bridge: Licensed Dyslexia Specialists (LDS)
Strong systems don’t rely on guesswork; they rely on precision. We are advocating for the Licensed Dyslexia Specialist (LDS)—an expert who acts as a specialized partner for our local teachers and a clear roadmap for our families.
- A Specialized Partner: Supporting teachers with the most complex literacy needs.
- A Reliable Roadmap: Providing families with a clinical standard of care they can trust.
- A Systems Solution: Filling the professional gap between identification and intervention.
Your Story is Strength
Whether you’ve faced barriers or discovered pathways to success, your voice shapes policy.
Our Path Forward
Systems change through thoughtful design and shared responsibility. Join us in building a Utah where every brain is wired to win.
References & Transparency
- Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute (Jan 2026): Utah Early Literacy Landscape
- Utah Governor’s Office (Jan 2026): Literacy & Reading Initiative
- International Dyslexia Association (2023): Knowledge & Practice Standards
- Utah FY2027 Budget: Literacy & Education Investment