Dyslexia and FES-UA
Funding structured literacy for Florida families
Method matters with dyslexia. Here's how to use FES-UA for the structured literacy instruction that actually works.
💡 Quick Answer: Does Dyslexia Qualify for FES-UA?
Yes. Dyslexia is explicitly named in Florida Statute 1002.394 under "specific learning disability" — one of the 23 qualifying categories. You'll need a psychoeducational evaluation identifying dyslexia, an IEP with SLD eligibility, or a diagnosis letter from a physician or psychologist. Once approved, families typically use FES-UA for structured literacy tutoring (Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, UFLI), reading evaluations, and assistive technology. Method matters with dyslexia: structured, systematic, multisensory instruction closes the gap; generic reading support doesn't.
Dyslexia affects roughly 1 in 5 people to some degree. If your child has been diagnosed — or you suspect dyslexia but haven't yet gotten a formal evaluation — Florida's FES-UA scholarship can fund the specialized reading instruction they need.
But here's what matters most: the type of instruction. With dyslexia, method is everything. This guide covers FES-UA eligibility, the documentation you need, and how to find tutoring that actually works.
Dyslexia Is Explicitly Covered Under FES-UA
Florida Statute 1002.394 lists 23 disability categories that qualify for FES-UA. Under "specific learning disability," the statute explicitly names:
- • Dyslexia
- • Dyscalculia
- • Developmental aphasia
This means dyslexia isn't hidden under a vague umbrella — it's specifically called out as qualifying. If your child has a documented dyslexia diagnosis, they qualify for FES-UA.
Source: Florida Statutes 1002.394
What Documentation Qualifies
To apply for FES-UA with dyslexia, you need ONE of the following:
Option 1: Psychoeducational evaluation identifying dyslexia
A comprehensive evaluation from a licensed psychologist or school psychologist that includes:
- Cognitive testing
- Achievement testing
- A finding of specific learning disability in reading (dyslexia)
The evaluation report should explicitly use the term "dyslexia" or "specific learning disability in reading." Some older evaluations use only SLD terminology — these qualify, but newer evaluations that specifically name dyslexia are clearer.
Option 2: IEP with SLD eligibility category
If your child has an Individualized Education Program from a Florida public school with "Specific Learning Disability" as the eligibility category and reading as the affected area, that qualifies.
Option 3: Diagnosis letter from a physician or psychologist
A letter on official letterhead stating the dyslexia diagnosis. This is less common than a full evaluation report but can work if the diagnosing professional documents the basis for the diagnosis.
What about screening results?
School-based dyslexia screenings (like those required under Florida's new universal screening law) are helpful for identification but typically don't serve as FES-UA documentation. You usually need a formal evaluation or IEP, not just screening results.
The Science of Reading: Why Method Matters
Here's the most important thing to understand about dyslexia intervention: not all reading instruction works for dyslexic learners.
What doesn't work:
- ✗ Typical phonics worksheets
- ✗ Whole-language "reading for meaning" approaches
- ✗ "More of the same" — repeating curriculum slower or louder
- ✗ Leveled readers with predictable text patterns
What does work: Structured Literacy
Built on four principles:
- ✓ Explicit — Nothing left to inference
- ✓ Systematic — Skills build logically
- ✓ Cumulative — Each lesson reinforces previous learning
- ✓ Multisensory — Visual, auditory, kinesthetic pathways
Specific programs that follow these principles:
• Orton-Gillingham (foundational methodology)
• Wilson Reading System
• UFLI Foundations
• Lindamood-Bell programs (LiPS, Seeing Stars)
• Barton Reading and Spelling
• Take Flight
A tutor who says they "work with struggling readers" but can't name specific structured literacy training is probably not equipped for dyslexia intervention.
Source: International Dyslexia Association — Structured Literacy
How Families Use FES-UA for Dyslexia
FES-UA covers several approaches to dyslexia support:
1-on-1 Structured Literacy Tutoring
This is the most common and typically highest-impact use. A qualified tutor delivers Orton-Gillingham-based or other structured literacy instruction 2-4 times per week.
Key features to look for:
- • Explicit instruction in phonemic awareness and phonics
- • Systematic progression through spelling patterns
- • Multisensory techniques (air writing, sound tapping)
- • Fluency practice with decodable texts
- • Ongoing progress monitoring
Sessions are usually 45-60 minutes. Many families see meaningful progress with 2-3 sessions per week over 1-2 school years. Dyslexia remediation is a marathon, not a sprint.
Reading Evaluations
If your child hasn't been formally evaluated, FES-UA can cover the cost of a psychoeducational evaluation from a licensed psychologist. This provides:
- Formal diagnosis documentation for FES-UA application
- Baseline data for measuring progress
- Specific recommendations for intervention approach
Assistive Technology
FES-UA covers technology that supports dyslexic learners: text-to-speech software, Learning Ally membership (audiobook library), reading pens, and speech-to-text tools for writing support.
Curriculum
For homeschool families, FES-UA covers structured literacy curriculum materials: Orton-Gillingham workbooks, Wilson materials, Barton tiles, and decodable reader libraries.
Families in Orlando and Jacksonville use FES-UA for weekly structured literacy tutoring — often the single most impactful investment they make.
Matrix Codes and Dyslexia: Honest Framing
Dyslexia alone — without co-occurring conditions — typically results in Matrix 251-253. These are the lower matrix codes, with funding ranging from $9,494 to $14,064 per year depending on county.
Why? Matrix codes evaluate support intensity across self-care, ambulation, communication, and behavior. A student with dyslexia who is otherwise typical in these areas won't score high on the matrix evaluation — even though their academic support needs may be significant.
When matrix codes are higher:
Students with dyslexia PLUS co-occurring conditions often receive higher matrix codes:
- • Dyslexia + ADHD
- • Dyslexia + autism
- • Dyslexia + anxiety or emotional regulation challenges
- • Dyslexia + language disorder
If your child has multiple diagnoses, make sure the matrix evaluation documents all of them, not just the dyslexia.
For more on matrix codes and funding amounts, see our FES-UA eligibility guide.
What to Look for in a Dyslexia Tutor
This is where many families go wrong. A tutor who "helps with reading" is not the same as a tutor trained in structured literacy for dyslexia.
Questions to ask:
1. What structured literacy training do you have?
Look for: Orton-Gillingham certification, Wilson certification, LETRS training, or equivalent
Red flag: "I don't use a specific program, I just work with what the student needs"
2. What methodology do you use?
Look for: Named, evidence-based approaches (OG, Wilson, Barton, etc.)
Red flag: "Balanced literacy" or "whole language" or "we use leveled readers"
3. How do you assess progress?
Look for: Regular progress monitoring with specific measures (phoneme segmentation, decoding accuracy, fluency rates)
Red flag: "I can tell they're improving" without data
4. What does a typical session look like?
Look for: Structured sequence — review, new concept, practice, fluency, dictation
Red flag: Unstructured "we work on whatever they need that day"
5. Are you registered with Step Up for direct pay?
This is logistical, not methodological, but it matters for payment
A qualified dyslexia tutor should be able to answer these questions confidently with specific details, not vague generalities.
Dyslexia Tutoring Through Special Education Resource
We provide 1-on-1 structured literacy tutoring for students with dyslexia. Our approach:
- ✓ Orton-Gillingham-based instruction — explicit, systematic, cumulative, multisensory
- ✓ Trained tutors — specifically trained in dyslexia intervention, not general reading help
- ✓ Progress monitoring — regular assessment to track growth and adjust instruction
- ✓ Online delivery — sessions via video, which many families find convenient
- ✓ Direct pay through Step Up EMA — no out-of-pocket cost for FES-UA families
We focus on building the foundational skills that dyslexic students need: phonemic awareness, systematic phonics, decoding fluency, encoding (spelling), and reading comprehension.
For more about our dyslexia tutoring approach, visit our dyslexia tutoring page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dyslexia qualify for FES-UA?
Yes. Dyslexia is explicitly named in Florida Statute 1002.394 under "specific learning disability." It's one of the 23 qualifying diagnosis categories.
What documentation do I need for FES-UA with dyslexia?
A psychoeducational evaluation identifying dyslexia, an IEP with SLD eligibility, or a diagnosis letter from a licensed professional. The documentation should explicitly name dyslexia or specific learning disability in reading.
How much FES-UA funding will my child receive for dyslexia?
Funding depends on matrix code, not diagnosis. Dyslexia alone typically results in Matrix 251-253 ($9,494–$14,064/year depending on county). Co-occurring conditions may result in higher matrix codes.
What type of reading tutoring works for dyslexia?
Structured literacy — instruction that is explicit, systematic, cumulative, and multisensory. Specific approaches include Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, UFLI, Barton, and Lindamood-Bell. Generic reading help or balanced literacy approaches typically don't close the gap for dyslexic learners.
How often should my child receive dyslexia tutoring?
Most research supports 2-4 sessions per week for meaningful progress. Dyslexia intervention is intensive — once-a-week tutoring may not be enough to see significant gains.
Can FES-UA pay for a dyslexia evaluation?
Yes. Psychoeducational evaluations from licensed psychologists are an approved FES-UA expense. This can help establish the diagnosis and provide baseline data.
Does FES-UA cover assistive technology for dyslexia?
Yes. Text-to-speech software, audiobook subscriptions (like Learning Ally), reading pens, and other assistive technology are covered. Technology has a 24-month purchase restriction per category.
How do I know if a tutor is qualified for dyslexia intervention?
Ask about specific structured literacy training (OG, Wilson, etc.), methodology used, and progress monitoring approach. Qualified tutors can name their training and describe their systematic approach. Vague answers are red flags.
Can I use FES-UA for dyslexia tutoring and other services?
Yes. You can fund multiple services from the same FES-UA account — tutoring, evaluations, assistive technology, and curriculum — as long as you stay within your annual award.
Is online tutoring effective for dyslexia?
Yes. Research supports the effectiveness of online structured literacy instruction. Many families find online delivery convenient, and it allows access to tutors with specialized training who may not be locally available.
Ready to Get Started?
If your child has dyslexia and you're approved for FES-UA — or working on your application — we can help with structured literacy tutoring.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your child's needs and how FES-UA can fund the intervention they need.
Book a Free Consultation →Sources: Florida Statutes 1002.394, International Dyslexia Association, Step Up For Students
Last updated: May 2026