The American Foundation for the Blind is concerned that the extensive and rapid downsizing at the US Department of Education could harm the services, funding, and civil rights protections that people who are blind, have low vision, or are deafblind rely on. The Department plays a critical role in enforcing rights and funding services required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Rehabilitation Act. In 2021, more than 7.7 million children received services through IDEA. 3.7% of children from birth to age 2 received early intervention services, while 6.2% of 3- to 5-year-olds and 9.6% of students aged 6 to 21 were served under IDEA Part B. These numbers do not include the number of students who receive support from a Section 504 plan or adults who receive rehabilitation services. The services and programs funded by the department enable students to pursue their dreams, help working-age adults secure meaningful employment, and support older adults in living independently in their communities.
While each administration can and does change the priorities, leadership, and structure of most federal agencies, AFB expects the federal government to follow the law to its fullest. We urge Secretary McMahon and this administration to effectively carry out the legislation that Congress has passed on behalf of blind and low-vision people in the United States and to make thoughtful, evidence-based changes that prioritize real improvements to the services that individuals receive.
We will continue to monitor whether changes to programs within the Department, such as those described below, may result in a reduction of opportunity and access for students and adults who are blind. The full effects of these changes, especially on research and personnel development, may not be clear for several years.
- The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal civil rights laws, such as IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, in educational institutions and other entities that receive funding from the department. OCR has faced significant cuts in the last few months that will reduce its ability to respond to complaints by parents and students.
- The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) distributes grants to states, agencies, colleges, and nonprofits to carry out the IDEA. These activities include providing services to children and students, preparing personnel, providing technical assistance, providing accessible instructional materials and technology, and supporting parents. OSEP also monitors the effective implementation of services to children and youth with disabilities.
- The National Center for Special Education Research provides funding and training for research into educational methods, materials, and resources for students with disabilities, their families, and their teachers. NCSER is a part of the Institute of Educational Sciences, which has experienced significant grant and staffing cuts for general education research.
- The Rehabilitation Services Administration provides resources for vocational rehabilitation programs that help students and adults with disabilities access employment opportunities. RSA also administers grants for Independent Living Services for Older Individuals who are Blind (OIB). OIB funds allow state VR agencies to provide services, including independent living, orientation & mobility, and assistive technology training, to adults aged 55 and older who are not seeking employment.
- The Office of Educational Technology developed policy, resources, and research for the effective and equitable use of technology in classrooms, including navigating advances in artificial intelligence. It created the 2024 National Educational Technology Plan, which addressed the accessibility and availability of educational technology. Reports suggest that this office may have been eliminated.
