Amidst discussions about potential changes to the U.S. Department of Education, families with children who have disabilities are expressing concern. The department plays a crucial role in distributing federal funds for special education, and its elimination could significantly impact these families.
One such concerned parent is Kristy Hedler, whose son, Kellen, has Down syndrome and benefits from special education services. Kristy also serves as a parent services advocate with Oklahoma Parents for Student Achievement. She shared her perspectives with NPR’s Ailsa Chang, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the future of federal support for special education.
Parents like Kristy are worried about what might happen if oversight shifts from the federal to the state level. “My biggest concern is the fear of the unknown,” Kristy stated. The federal law known as IDEA, which ensures resources for children with disabilities in public education, is already not fully funded, leading to ongoing struggles for appropriate services. Kristy fears that without federal oversight, some states might prioritize budget cuts over providing quality education for students with disabilities, potentially leading to a segregated and inequitable educational system.
The newly appointed Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, has indicated that while IDEA will remain in effect, its implementation may shift to another federal department, such as the Department of Health and Human Services. Kristy expressed concerns about this potential transition, questioning whether the new department would be adequately prepared to handle the responsibilities of monitoring and enforcing special education policies.
Another significant worry is the potential loss of the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, which handles discrimination complaints from students with disabilities. Kristy explained that this office provides crucial support when state-level complaints fail to yield the necessary outcomes. She fears that the absence of this service could lead to weakened protections and increased discrimination.
With Secretary McMahon suggesting a shift towards greater state control over education, Kristy and her family are contemplating moving from Oklahoma, where they feel the importance placed on educating students with disabilities is insufficient. “Where do we need to go to make sure that Kellen gets the education that he has a legal right to?” Kristy pondered.
Kristy Hedler’s insights shed light on the broader concerns of many families relying on federal support to ensure equitable education for children with disabilities. As discussions continue, these families are watching closely to see how their futures might be affected.
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