Stock image from Pixabay.
We all want to raise our children in a nation that values their education and provides for every child’s unique needs. Programs like Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and 504 plans are vital in achieving these goals by supporting students with special needs and enabling them to thrive.
An IEP is a written plan that outlines the educational needs of a child with a disability in public school. Ensuring that every child can receive specialized instruction and support services to succeed. The U.S. Department of Education provides federal funding and oversight to these programs to ensure every child has the federal right to an education regardless of which school or district they attend.
Our son Jackson is 5 years old, autistic non-verbal and struggles in most academic and social environments. But don’t let that fool you, Jackson shows a desire to learn, play with his peers, and tries again after failure.
He loves waffles, jumping on the trampoline, and playing with his sister Charlie. Thanks to Jackson’s IEP, we worry less about his future because it empowers him to grow and communicate his needs to those around him.
But our story isn’t unique, families across the country depend on these programs to ensure our kids receive the tailored services they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Yet today, these programs and Jackson’s future face significant threats.
President-elect Trump’s proposal to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education halts federal oversight and shifts implementation of these programs to the states. Should he be successful, the rights and futures of 8 million students with disabilities would be in jeopardy.
Possibly leaving Jackson and our most vulnerable children without the critical resources they need to grow, including access to speech, occupational, and physical therapies. Leading to increased behavioral issues, lower academic achievement, and reduced progress in social, emotional, and functional skills.
Moreover, without oversight and enforcement by the U.S. Department of Education, special education would vary greatly from state to state. Wealthier districts might sustain or even improve their programs, but underfunded areas would likely see severe cuts.
This would lead to increased inequality, where a child’s access to quality education depends solely on their zip code. Families could also face heightened financial and emotional burdens should some states choose to gut these programs.
Parents could be forced to seek and pay for private therapy and specialized instruction. This would disproportionately affect low-income families, effectively denying their children a fair chance at educational success and placing significant strain on their well-being.
But we aren’t sitting on the sidelines. Parents from coast to coast are standing up to protect our kids’ IEPs and 504 plans by calling on President-elect Trump to reverse his position to “eliminate” the U.S. Department of Education.
We must come together to ensure that all children, regardless of their circumstances, receive the education and support they deserve. Our children’s future depends on it.
Troubling outcomes for dismantling the Department of Education and the consequences for children with IEPs.
Loss of Guaranteed ServicesÂ
The IDEA mandates that children with disabilities receive a “free and appropriate public education” (FAPE), which includes special education services and supports. Without the Department of Education to enforce these requirements, schools might no longer be required to provide lEPs or related services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or behavioral support.Â
Disparities in Access to SupportÂ
In the absence of federal standards, states and local districts would decide independently whether and how to support students with disabilities. Wealthier states or districts might be able to maintain or even improve services, while less-funded areas could see drastic cuts. This could lead to significant disparities in the quality and availability of special education across different states or regions.Â
Reduced Legal ProtectionsÂ
Parents currently have legal recourse if they believe their child’s school isn’t meeting the requirements of the IEP. If IDEA were no longer enforced federally, families could lose these rights, making it difficult to advocate for appropriate education services. The absence of federal oversight would likely make it harder for parents to ensure that schools meet their children’s needs.
Increased Financial BurdenÂ
If special education services are no longer provided at the same level or are completely unavailable in some areas, families might have to seek and pay for private therapy, specialized instruction, or other resources out-of-pocket. This could be financially burdensome and limit access to those who can afford these services.
Educational SetbacksÂ
Without lEPs and tailored support, many children with disabilities could struggle to learn in a standard classroom environment. This could lead to increased behavioral issues, lower academic achievement, and reduced progress in social, emotional, and functional skills.Â
Increased Dropout Rates & Limited Future OpportunitiesÂ
Special education helps students with disabilities gain skills to transition to adulthood, whether that means college, vocational programs, or other life skills training. Without this support, these students might face higher dropout rates and fewer opportunities for employment or independent living.Â
Impact on Families and CommunitiesÂ
The lack of support for children with special needs would likely have a ripple effect, impacting families’ well-being, parental employment, and even community resources as more parents struggle to find adequate support for their children.
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