MS HB1406

State Board of Education must ensure diagnostic screeners are available in all public school districts to test compulsory-school-age children for Irlen Syndrome and provide reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Teachers who recognize Irlen Syndrome symptoms in students must recommend testing to parents or guardians; testing requires written parental consent and must be conducted by a Department of Education-approved screener.

State Department of Education must establish rules and regulations governing screener qualifications, training, and screening procedures; screeners must advise parents if a student may have Irlen Syndrome and recommend corrective measures such as colored overlays or tinted lenses.

Teachers must provide students diagnosed with Irlen Syndrome accessible teaching materials meeting specific formatting standards, including minimum 11-point sans serif font, double spacing, wide margins, left-justified text, and avoidance of bright white paper.

Bill takes effect July 1, 2019, and brings forward existing statutes regarding reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and service animals in school facilities.