At John's Crazy Socks and Abilities Rising, we believe in the power of inclusion and know from experience that people with disabilities can do amazing things when given the right support. 

That support starts early. For millions of students with disabilities, it starts with the protections, services, and oversight provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). That law is not just words on paper; it's why students like John were able to thrive in school and prepare for the workplace. It's the foundation that allowed him to build a business, speak before Congress, and help create hundreds of jobs through inclusive hiring. 

But that foundation is now under direct threat. 

What Just Happened? 

During the current government shutdown, the Trump administration announced a sweeping Reduction in Force (RIF), essentially firing nearly all staff at the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). These aren't just any workers. These are the people responsible for: 

* Enforcing IDEA and ensuring every child with a disability receives a free and appropriate public education. 

* Distributing billions in federal special education funds to states. 

* Supporting programs that help people with disabilities find meaningful work and live independently. 

And this wasn't a routine furlough. It was a targeted elimination. As one parent advocate put it, "I have to tell you how to do a grievance, but I have to tell you no one will answer." 

A federal judge has issued a temporary order blocking these firings. But the administration hasn't explained how it plans to fulfill its legal obligations if these roles are eliminated. It hasn't answered a fundamental, critical question: 

What's the Plan for Students with Disabilities? 

Silence isn't a strategy. And chaos is not a substitute for leadership. 

Eliminating the staff who uphold IDEA doesn't make our education system more efficient; it makes it unaccountable. And moving oversight to a department like Health and Human Services, which lacks the legal and technical expertise in special education, doesn't solve the problem. It sidesteps it. 

We Know What's at Stake 

John and many of our friends, colleagues, and community members with differing abilities benefited from the special education services guaranteed by IDEA. These programs gave them the skills and confidence to build lives filled with meaning and contribution. 

Cutting off that support is more than a policy decision;  it's a betrayal of decades of progress. It undermines the very efforts that prepare students with disabilities to become the adults working beside us, launching businesses, and giving back to their communities. 

This Isn't Just About Funding —It's About Accountability 

Special education isn'tjust about dollars. It's about oversight, guidance, and protection. As one special education teacher put it, removing this office is like "dismantling the control tower at a busy airport." The planes may still fly for a while — but eventually, confusion and danger follow. 

If these staff are removed, who will: 

We Cannot Be Silent: We Need to Stand Up for Students with Disabilities 

This is not the time to sit back and hope everything works out. It's time to raise our voices. 

We are calling on our community (families, educators, advocates, employers, and citizens) to demand answers and accountability. The Office of Special Education Programs plays a vital role in ensuring opportunity and dignity for millions of Americans. It cannot be erased by administrative fiat. 

Call to Action: Here's What You Can Do 

1. Contact your Senators and Representatives: Ask them:What's the plan? Demand that they stop any attempt to eliminate these positions permanently. 

2. Share your story: If you or your family benefited from special education services, post about it. Tag your elected officials. Let them know what's at stake. 

3. Support disability advocacy organizations:  Groups like the  National Down Syndrome Society,  The Arc,  the AutismSociety of America, and others are leading the charge to protect IDEA. Join them. 

4. Stay informed and stay loud: This fight may go to the courts, but the court of public opinion matters, too. 

We've Come Too Far to Turn Back Now 

Fifty years ago, students like John were often denied access to public education. IDEA changed that. It gave millions of children a chance to learn, grow, and become full members of society. 

We will not stand by while those hard-won rights are dismantled in the dark. 

Let's make our voices heard. Let's ask the hard questions. And let's  ensure every child, regardless of their ability, gets the chance they deserve.