Reverse Reductions Impacting People with Disabilities

On October 11, the U.S. Department of Education enacted sweeping layoffs that have left the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), and the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) nearly dismantled. This follows a major reduction earlier this year that had already cut nearly half of the workforce. These cuts remove the very staff responsible for enforcing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Rehabilitation Act, putting critical protections for students and adults with disabilities at serious risk. Although there have been updates, we remain concerned that these layoffs may proceed.

Please provide the information requested below and click send to urge your congressional representatives to act today!

Dear [Lawmaker],

I urge you to take immediate action to demand a reversal of the U.S. Department of Education’s October 11 decision to eliminate nearly all staff within the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) and its constituent components. These cuts remove critical federal oversight that protects the educational rights of children with disabilities and the vocational and independent living rights of adults—including those who are blind or visually impaired. Without this federal leadership and accountability, both students and adults with disabilities are placed in significant jeopardy.

As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), I strongly urge Congress to reaffirm its commitment to millions of children with disabilities by restoring the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) without delay. Likewise, the near-elimination of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) has stripped the Department of its capacity to fulfill its congressionally mandated responsibilities to prosper job readiness and support employment, independence, and economic self-sufficiency for adults with disabilities, including individuals who are blind or have low vision—whose needs I hold with particular concern.

Please intervene now to stop the dismantling of these critical federal functions before irreversible harm is done.

Sincerely,
______

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