WUNC

It’s been 50 years since the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was signed into law, and the milestone comes at a time when parents and activists are concerned about funding cuts for services. Rallies were planned outside multiple congressional offices on Friday to call for more adequate funding for special education services and to protest cuts and the dismantling of the Department of Education. A rally held Friday at U.S. Rep. Tim Moore’s office in Cornelius called for continued support. About two dozen people held signs out in the frigid air. Some went inside to officially commemorate IDEA’s anniversary with cupcakes, coffee, and a singing of Happy Birthday. Moore’s office was empty, but they taped a pledge they hope he’ll sign to the door. The pledge calls on Moore to advocate for fully funding the act, keeping it housed at the Department of Education, and resisting cuts to services for students with disabilities.