While federal law ensures that students with disabilities have access to suitable public education, it often requires persistent effort from families to secure the best possible schooling for their children.
Challenges Families Face in Securing Education for Students with Disabilities
The right to a public education tailored to the needs of students with disabilities is a legal entitlement. Yet, despite this guarantee, parents frequently bear the burden of ensuring their child’s educational needs are met effectively. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has pledged to uphold this right and its associated funding amid ongoing efforts to restructure the Education Department. However, as Nebraska Public Media’s Jolie Peal highlights, even with allocated funds, parents often find themselves navigating a complex system to secure appropriate education for their children.
In Ashland, Nebraska, twelve-year-old Genevieve “Gigi” Dahl, who has Down syndrome, participates actively in her local high school’s varsity basketball team events. Her parents, Jacob and Katy Dahl, share the joy of seeing Gigi embraced by her school community.
Finding the Right School Environment
Gigi’s journey wasn’t always smooth. At her previous school in Omaha, she experienced frequent separation from her peers. Her mother, Katy Dahl, questioned the appropriateness of Gigi being placed in a kindergarten classroom to work on social skills, which she found unsuitable for her daughter’s age.
Despite attempts to confirm Gigi’s placement with Omaha Public Schools, the district declined to comment on individual cases. Gigi’s parents recount the emotional toll of advocating for their daughter, which ultimately led them to move her to a different district.
The Omaha district maintains that they follow a “collaborative process” to assess student needs, working with parents to create learning plans and inform them of their rights. Nonetheless, the Dahls felt disempowered by the process, a sentiment shared by many families in similar situations.
The Role of Advocacy in Education
Selene Almazan, legal director for the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, emphasizes the importance of parent education in these scenarios. She notes that while parents should be equal partners in educational planning, they often feel sidelined in the process.
Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, points to resource limitations as a major challenge. He explains that while educators are committed to advocating for their students, a growing demand for special education services and a shortage of special education teachers complicate these efforts.
Statistics Highlight Growing Needs
Nationally, the 2022-2023 school year saw 7.5 million students receiving special education services, marking a historic peak. However, a federal survey from October reveals a persistent shortage of special education teachers, with Nebraska schools reporting around 150 vacancies this year.
Positive Changes for Gigi
Transitioning to her new school district in Ashland has been transformative for Gigi. Her parents observe a significant improvement in her school experience, noting her newfound independence and enthusiasm for participating in sports. Unlike before, the Dahls find they need to advocate much less for their daughter, a relief that underscores the importance of finding the right educational environment.
