Disability advocates are warning that sweeping staff reductions inside the U.S. Department of Education have effectively dismantled the federal offices responsible for protecting the rights of students with disabilities. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) has lost most of its personnel, leaving only a small team to oversee the nation’s special education and rehabilitation systems.
OSERS plays a vital role in ensuring states comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and in managing billions of dollars in federal grants that fund special education and vocational rehabilitation. The offices also provide legal and technical guidance to schools, fund research on effective teaching strategies, support training and retention of special educators, and coordinate transition services that help youth with disabilities move from school to employment and community life.
Sydney Badeau, The Arc Wisconsin’s Advocacy and Outreach Specialist, says, “I was in special education from kindergarten through my senior year, and the support I got helped me succeed in regular classrooms with the right modifications. Programs like this make sure every student gets a fair chance to learn. When we lose offices like the Department of Special Education Programs, we risk taking that opportunity away from students like me.” “I work full-time today, because I received the special education services and supports I needed to succeed in school.”
The Arc’s national office is closely monitoring developments at the Department of Education and coordinating with coalition partners to advocate for immediate transparency on how IDEA oversight, guidance, and funding will continue.
