How Education Cuts May Affect Students With Disabilities

Takeaways

• The Trump administration has made significant budget cuts to the U.S. Department of Education in recent days.

• An announcement regarding layoffs at the education department maintains that funding for special needs students will continue. However, disability advocates are expressing concern that recent cuts could affect special education services.

The second Trump administration has recently made significant budget cuts to the United States Department of Education. This past week, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced layoffs for nearly half of the department’s workforce. Last month, $881 million in research contracts at the education department’s Institute of Education Sciences came to a halt.

The administration has also made clear its intention to close the Department of Education permanently. This particular action would require Congressional approval. According to McMahon, the department’s responsibility is now to “restore the rightful role of state oversight in education.”

The announcement regarding the layoffs maintains that funding for special needs students will continue. However, disability advocates say that department cuts may mean reduced funding to states, which could affect special education services provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Additionally, advocates are concerned that staffing and policy changes could mean less stringent protections for students with disabilities.

The U.S. Department of Education seeks in part to ensure that students with disabilities receive the resources and services they need to access a free appropriate public education, while its civil rights office enforces laws at the federal level that protect all students against discrimination in education. Millions of students benefit from programs designed to support their academic success and prepare them for independent living and employment.

Laws and Programs Supporting Students With Disabilities

More than 7 million students with disabilities benefit from programs designed to support their academic success and prepare them for independent living and employment. Several federal laws and policies ensure that students with disabilities receive necessary accommodations and services, including:

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The cornerstone of special education law, the IDEA Act mandates that public schools provide eligible students with disabilities individualized education programs (IEPs), specialized instruction, and related services. The federal government provides funding to states to help cover these costs, though historically, it has funded far less than its promised 40 percent share. McMahon has proposed shifting oversight of IDEA to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 504 is a civil rights law that seeks to prevent discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and services that receive federal funds. This includes protecting students with disabilities attending any federally funded school from discrimination. By guaranteeing equal access, Section 504 helps ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities to participate in programs and activities as those without disabilities.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA is a broader law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including education. Its mandates include accessibility in schools and colleges, including physical accommodations and support services.

Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)

The OSEP is a branch of the Department of Education that oversees IDEA implementation and provides grants to improve special education outcomes.

Through these policies and programs, the Department of Education helps ensure that students with disabilities receive the specialized instruction, assistive technology, therapies, and accommodations necessary for their educational success. Several states are currently suing the Trump administration over $600 million in cuts to OSEP grants that were funding training for aspiring special educators.

How Budget Cuts Could Affect Students With Disabilities

Budget cuts to education and related programs under the Trump administration have been raising concerns about their potential negative effects on students with disabilities nationwide. Though Congress has historically restored some funding after proposed cuts, advocacy groups warn that any reductions could significantly affect special education services.

Reduced IDEA Funding

Proposed cuts to IDEA funding could make it harder for schools to meet their obligations to students with disabilities. Though the federal government has never fully funded IDEA at the promised 40 percent level, further reductions would likely lead to negative consequences, such as:

• Larger class sizes in special education programs, making it harder for teachers to provide individualized instruction
• Fewer support staff, such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and aides
• Reduced access to assistive technology, which many students rely on to communicate and learn

Cuts to Medicaid and Its Effects on Schools

Many school districts rely on Medicaid reimbursements to help pay for essential services for students with disabilities, including:

• Physical therapy
• Assistive technology, such as speech-generating devices
• School-based mental health services
• Transportation for students with mobility impairments

Cuts to Medicaid funding could force schools to scale back these services, leaving students without the support they need to succeed in school.

End to Grant Programs Supporting Special Education Teacher Programs

As mentioned above, some federal grant programs provide training and professional development for special education teachers. Budget cuts to these programs could worsen the special education teacher shortage, which is already a growing concern nationwide.

Effects on Higher Education and Vocational Training

Students with disabilities often rely on federal student aid, vocational rehabilitation programs, and transition services to help them attend college or access job training. Budget reductions to these programs could:

• Limit access to Pell Grants, which help low-income students, including those with disabilities, afford college

• Reduce funding for vocational rehabilitation services, which assist individuals with disabilities in finding employment

• Cut resources for college disability support services, making it harder for students with disabilities to navigate higher education

The Importance of Advocacy

The potential for budget cuts highlights the need for continued advocacy to ensure that students with disabilities receive the resources and protections guaranteed under federal law. Advocacy groups, parents, and educators are urging lawmakers to:

• Fully fund programs under IDEA at the 40 percent federal share originally promised
• Protect Medicaid funding to ensure that students continue receiving essential services
• Invest in special education personnel training to address teacher shortages
• Preserve funding for postsecondary support programs that help students with disabilities transition into higher education and employment

Understanding Rights for Individuals With Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Education plays a crucial role in supporting students with disabilities, ensuring they receive the accommodations and services they need to succeed. However, budget cuts under the Trump administration could put these services at risk. In turn, this may make it harder for schools to meet their obligations under federal law. Ongoing advocacy and public awareness are essential to ensuring that students with disabilities continue to have equal educational opportunities.

By being aware of your rights or the rights of a loved one with disabilities, you can be more informed and proactive when policy and budget changes occur.

If you or a loved one have a disability, connect with an experienced special needs planning attorney in your area. These experts can provide legal guidance and services tailored to your unique needs. This includes helping you advocate for your rights, navigate complex laws and regulations, and create comprehensive plans for your financial security, health care, and education. Professionals in this area of law can assist individuals and families in ensuring that the needs of their loved ones with disabilities are met now and in the future.

For additional reading about programs for and the rights of students with disabilities, check out the following articles:

• Should You Hire a Special Education Advocate?
• Disability Rights and Service Animals
• Know Your Child’s Educational Rights
• Recognizing Learning Disabilities
• Assistance Is Available for Veterans’ Children With Disabilities