Trump's Layoffs Impact Disabled Children
Recently, the federal Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) faced significant layoffs, with all but two senior staff members receiving reduction-in-force notices.
"This is absolutely a violation of federal law."
This move is part of a larger wave of layoffs, affecting 460 people across the Department of Education, roughly one in five workers. The OSEP plays a crucial role in distributing funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which supports approximately 7.5 million disabled students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
- The federal government is expected to cover up to 40% of IEP costs.
- Currently, the actual funding provided is around 13%.
Author's summary: Trump's layoffs hurt disabled kids' education.