At Changing Perspectives, we stand in firm opposition to the federal government’s dismantling of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education. This decision represents a dangerous rollback of progress for students with disabilities and a direct threat to the foundation of inclusive education in our nation’s schools.
Why This Matters
OSEP has long served as the federal safeguard ensuring that students with disabilities receive the free, appropriate public education they are guaranteed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Through technical assistance, funding, oversight, and guidance, OSEP helps states and districts translate policy into practice—so that the least restrictive environment (LRE) is not just an aspiration, but a legal and moral obligation.
Eliminating or hollowing out OSEP undermines the systems that protect millions of children. Without federal leadership, compliance with IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and related civil rights laws will erode.
Our Position
Changing Perspectives believes this is not political; it is an ethical crisis. The weakening of OSEP jeopardizes:
- Federal accountability for how students with disabilities are supported in every state and district
- The infrastructure that ensures equitable access to education and related services
- The professional development, technical assistance, and innovation schools rely on to advance inclusive practices and meet the needs of students with disabilities.
We call on the Administration and Congress to immediately restore full staffing and authority to OSEP and reaffirm the federal government’s commitment to protecting the educational rights of children with disabilities, the right to a free, appropriate education
Our Commitment
For over a decade, Changing Perspectives has collaborated with schools, districts, and other organizations to promote inclusion and belonging in schools nationwide. This work is possible in part because of the framework provided by OSEP and IDEA.
Changing Perspectives continues to:
- Advocate for the preservation of strong federal leadership in special education
- Equip schools with the tools and training to ensure that students with disabilities are given appropriate opportunities in the least restrictive environments to meet their educational goals
- Elevate the voices of educators and families whose daily work depends on these protections
Standing with a National Coalition
Changing Perspectives proudly joined more than 800 national, state, local, civil rights, education, and disability advocacy organizations in condemning the mass layoffs at the Department of Education. Together, we urge the Administration and Congress to protect children with disabilities, reverse course immediately, and uphold their moral and legal obligation to students with disabilities.
Read our joint statement here.
The Path Forward
This year marks the 50th anniversary of IDEA, a milestone that should be a celebration of progress, not a warning of regression. Dismantling OSEP dismantles the promise of that law and risks returning our education system to a time when many children with disabilities were excluded entirely.
We urge policymakers to reverse this decision and recommit to a future where every child is seen, supported, and included.
