Disability Scoop

In his budget proposal, the president sought to fold preschool grants as well as many activities currently overseen by the Office of Special Education Programs under IDEA Part D into grants that are distributed to states under Part B. But, in its first test before lawmakers, a key Senate panel soundly rejected Trump’s plan for IDEA late last month. The bipartisan vote to keep IDEA as is “stands in direct conflict with what ED is preparing to do,” said Denise S. Marshall, CEO of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, or COPAA, a nonprofit that advocates for the rights of students with disabilities and their families. “Saving money off the backs of our children and the school personnel who work hard to educate them is appalling. Parents need to be meaningful partners in their education as required by statute (and) Part D funds allow them to be trained on their rights and receive support,” Marshall said. “We’ve heard from reputable sources that the withdrawal of funds is imminent, and we urge Congress, state legislators, and governors to raise their voices to say no.”