If the U.S. Department of Education were to go away, countless students with disabilities would face even tougher challenges in getting the education they need. These individuals are our friends, family, and neighbors. When we strip away the resources meant to help them, we hurt not just them, but all of us as a community.
Back in 1971, before federal protections were put in place, many states excluded children with disabilities from public schools. Millions lost their chance for an education—not because they weren’t capable of learning, but because society didn’t think they deserved it. Thankfully, parents, with help from organizations like The Arc, fought for change. Their hard work led to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees every child with a disability the right to a free, appropriate public education, no matter their challenges.
Now, this vital right is in danger, and parents everywhere are worried.
Calls to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education are becoming more common. Some members of Congress openly support this idea. This isn’t just about politics; it poses a serious threat to students with disabilities and their families. Although IDEA would still be a law, without federal oversight, there would be little to ensure states comply with it.
When access to education weakens, opportunities fade. Without a proper education, students with disabilities are at a higher risk of falling into poverty, facing unemployment, suffering from poor health, and dealing with social isolation. Education builds a path to independence and inclusion. Take that away, and we condemn millions to a life filled with obstacles.
This issue resonates with me deeply. I’ve worked in the Department of Education and have always advocated for disability rights. I’ve witnessed the barriers that children with disabilities face and how the Department steps in to support them.
A recent example highlights this issue vividly. Texas imposed a limit on the number of children with disabilities who could receive special education services, capping it at just 8.5 percent. Yet, almost 15 percent of students are typically eligible. Concerned parents reached out to the Department of Education, which worked with Texas to resolve the issue, removing the cap. Now, every qualifying child receives the support they need.
The Department of Education does a lot more than just assist states. It provides training for special education teachers, encourages innovative teaching methods, supports parents, and ensures disability rights laws are enforced. When families report their children being denied the education they deserve, the Department steps in to help resolve these issues, often working directly with school districts.
Consider Whitman, an 11-year-old with autism who uses a communication device. With the right support from special education, he has transformed his learning experience. Initially, he attended a school for students with disabilities and struggled. But after joining a program to learn alongside non-disabled peers, he thrived academically and even performed in school musicals—something his family thought was impossible.
Years ago, the U.S. recognized that having a disability shouldn’t mean a lack of access to quality education. Now, that commitment faces threats. Dismantling the Department of Education wouldn’t just reverse progress—it would lead to greater chaos and inequality, fewer skilled teachers, and weaker enforcement of rights, leaving many children behind.
The stakes are incredibly high. Letting the Department of Education be dismantled would erase decades of hard-fought progress and betray the promise that all children deserve the opportunity to succeed. We cannot allow this to happen. The futures of countless students depend on our commitment to protect their rights to an education.
Katy Neas is the CEO of The Arc of the United States. She previously served in the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education.
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Department of Education,Disability,Students,Linda McMahon,Schools
