The current administration used the government shutdown to lay off the majority of employees in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS). This is the Federal office that is responsible for the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA), the law protecting students with disabilities and giving them the right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE).

Therefore, the closing of OSERS means that the responsibility for special education and how IDEA is implemented, funded and supported will move to each individual state and there will no longer be Federal oversight.

So what can you do now? 

UPDATE: On Wednesday, October 15, a federal judge has temporarily halted the U.S. Department of Education's plan to lay off nearly the entire special education division. While this is good news, I still recommend you take action to safeguard your learner's rights.

Take a moment, find your community, call your representatives and demand IDEA-specific protections. Educate yourself on your state’s law, regulations and policies, especially in regard to how they fund special education. 

If you are not already, start following advocacy accounts like the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) to keep yourself updated on developments. If you are able to, consider supporting them with a donation, as they continue to fight for disabled students rights. It is also important for you to seek out local advocate groups within your state who will be able to help you navigate any new changes. Play Spark have also produced a guide for parents to learn more about IDEA and protecting your children's rights, which is linked below.

And through it all, it is crucial that you stay centered on your child’s rights to autonomy, dignity and access.