A 19-year-old girl is suing her school district after graduating high school with honors — despite being unable to read or write. Her story raises serious questions about the quality of education and support provided to students with learning disabilities.
Meet Aleysha Ortiz – The Teen Who Can’t Read or Write
Aleysha Ortiz graduated from Hartford Public High School in 2024 with honors, a recognition usually reserved for students who excel academically. However, Aleysha is illiterate. She cannot read simple sentences or write her thoughts down.
Despite struggling through school, Aleysha received her diploma and even a college scholarship. Now, she’s taking legal action to hold her school district accountable.
A Childhood Full of Struggles
Born in Puerto Rico, Aleysha’s learning difficulties were evident from a young age. Her family moved to Connecticut when she was 5, hoping for better educational support. Instead, Aleysha’s struggles were ignored for years.
By 6th grade, her reading level was barely at kindergarten level. In high school, her special education case manager, Tilda Santiago, allegedly bullied and harassed her instead of providing the help she needed.
Technology Became Her Lifeline
Unable to read or write, Aleysha relied heavily on speech-to-text and text-to-speech apps to complete her schoolwork. She recorded her classes, had her laptop read assignments aloud, and used her voice to write her essays. These tools helped her get better grades — but never truly addressed her inability to read.
Despite the challenges, Aleysha was accepted into the University of Connecticut, where she hopes to study public policy.
A Shocking Diagnosis After Graduation
Just weeks before her high school graduation, Aleysha finally received thorough evaluations, which confirmed she had dyslexia, along with other previously diagnosed conditions like ADHD and anxiety. These tests showed she still needed basic reading instruction — the kind typically taught in kindergarten.
Suing for Accountability
Aleysha and her mother have filed a lawsuit against the Hartford Board of Education, the City of Hartford, and her former case manager. They accuse the school system of negligence and failing to provide the support Aleysha desperately needed.
Her mother, who doesn’t speak English fluently, says she trusted the school to do what was best for her daughter. Now, they are fighting to make sure no other child faces the same fate.
A Message to Other Students and Families
Aleysha wants her story to inspire other students with disabilities to speak up and demand the support they need. She believes her school failed her, but she’s determined to fight for her education and her future.
“I love learning,” she says. “No one can take that away from me.”
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