Half a century has passed since the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was enacted, a law pivotal in securing educational rights for children with disabilities. This anniversary is marked by a growing concern over potential funding cutbacks that could affect special education services nationwide.
In response to these concerns, activists and parents organized rallies at various congressional offices on Friday, advocating for stable funding and protesting against proposed cuts and the potential dismantling of the Department of Education.
One such gathering took place at U.S. Representative Tim Moore’s office in Cornelius, where approximately 24 demonstrators braved the cold, carrying signs in support of IDEA. While the office was unattended, participants left a pledge on the door urging Moore to champion full funding for IDEA and safeguard its administration under the Department of Education. The event also featured a celebration of the act’s anniversary with cupcakes, coffee, and a rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
Kyle Queen of Public Schools Strong in Mecklenburg County noted that Moore was invited to the rally but did not respond. Moore’s office has yet to comment on the matter. Queen described the IDEA as a groundbreaking piece of legislation, stating, “In the past, the kids that couldn’t function well inside of a regular classroom were excluded from that. And I just remember nobody was in a wheelchair. Nobody had any kind of tutoring or any kind of special services when I was in school. And it’s now that there is the requirement that these children receive services to help them as well have a free, appropriate education.”
Roxanna DeShong-Myrie, a parent of two children with disabilities, emphasized the importance of the IDEA for her family, expressing concerns over its future. DeShong-Myrie shared, “This is very emotional for me, because my husband and I, we’re not rich. A lot of these programs for autistic children cost a lot of money, and at least we could have the services that are in the school to help with their journey to getting an education.”
The act, which ensures free special education for children with disabilities, has long been considered underfunded. While Congress initially committed to covering 40% of the per-pupil cost for special education, the National Education Association reports that the federal share has dwindled to approximately 12%.
Despite the Trump administration’s assurances to maintain special education funding, efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, which oversees these funds, coupled with proposed changes to funding structures, have alarmed advocates for special education.
