President Trump’s controversial move to dismantle the Department of Education has raised concerns about the future of special education in the United States. While the executive order signed in March aimed at the dismantling of the Department of Education did not come to fruition due to the need for congressional approval, drastic cuts in staff have already had a significant impact.
One of the key areas affected by these changes is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures that children with disabilities receive education in the least restrictive environment possible. With over 7.5 million students receiving services under IDEA in the 2022-23 school year, the recent layoffs in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services have raised fears about the future implementation of the act.
The move to shift Special Education to the Department of Health and Human Services under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s purview has sparked criticism from experts in the field. Laura Rothstein, J.D., an emerita professor of law specializing in special education, described the move as a step backward that could significantly decrease the availability of special education services.
Another pressing issue is the impact of long COVID on children and their education. Megan Carmilani, founder of Long Covid Families, highlighted the challenges faced by children with long COVID, including recurrent absences and the difficulty of virtual learning due to cognitive impairments.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the treatment of children with disabilities under Secretary Kennedy’s leadership, particularly in light of his controversial statements about children with autism. The proposal for an autism database has raised concerns about privacy and potential discrimination against individuals with autism.
Looking ahead, there are concerns about the erosion of special support and services for students with disabilities, as well as the potential for increased disparities between states. The future of IDEA, which has enjoyed bipartisan support for years, remains uncertain in the current political climate.
As Rothstein emphasized, the goal of special education is to promote independence and ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to thrive. The potential rollback of support for students with disabilities could have far-reaching implications for society as a whole. It is essential to prioritize the needs of students with disabilities and ensure that they receive the support and resources necessary to succeed in school and beyond.
