October community Blog

An executive order aimed at “reorganizing the executive branch” has initiated a restructuring within the Department of Education so sweeping that an estimated 90% of the Department of Special Education has been cut. This is not mere bureaucratic shuffling; it is a profound threat to the educational lifeline of millions of students with disabilities and their families across America.

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)—two pillars of federal support for disability education and vocational services—are being consolidated into a new “Office of Disability Programs.” While presented as an efficiency measure, this move risks diluting specialized expertise and advocacy under a broader, less focused umbrella.

It suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of the intricate needs of students with disabilities, whose educational journeys require dedicated attention. We are not just “people with disabilities”; we are students with IEPs, individuals requiring specific accommodations, and citizens entitled to tailored pathways to independence.

The countless parents who have fought tooth and nail for their children’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). They’ve navigated complex systems, battled for resources, and advocated for individualized plans that are often the only guarantee of a meaningful education. Now, with the federal offices designed to uphold these rights being drastically downsized, what does this mean for the future of compliance, oversight, and—most critically—access?

This prospect could leave families isolated, battling under-resourced schools, and facing an even more daunting bureaucracy. This isn’t an abstract policy change; it’s a direct assault on the promise of an equitable education for our most vulnerable students.

This cannot and must not be allowed to become a partisan issue. Disability rights are human rights. They transcend political ideology because they speak to the fundamental dignity and potential of every individual. Every community, every family, regardless of political affiliation, is touched by disability. Access to education, vocational support, and a life of self-determination are not negotiable political bargaining chips; they are universal entitlements in a just society. When we diminish these protections for people with disabilities, we don’t just harm a segment of our population; we diminish the moral standing and strength of our entire nation. A powerful society uplifts all its members, recognizing the inherent value and contribution of all citizens.

Therefore, we must move beyond fear and into urgent action. The immediate and paramount call to action is to educate and empower families with disabilities to navigate this perilous new landscape of disability services.

• Stay informed, double-check all sources, and share what you’ve learned.
• Engage with your local school boards, state disability councils, and advocacy organizations. These local entities will be on the front lines, and they need reinforced support and active participation.
• Build new connections by reaching out to others who have not been reached before, and collective strength is the key.

The foundation of disability education in America is under threat. By uniting, informing ourselves, and advocating tirelessly, we can protect the rights and futures of millions. This fight requires every voice.

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September Community Blog

There’s no definition of “disability hierarchy,” and I think that’s on purpose. It is a construct, a trick to keep people with disabilities fighting endlessly over the same limited resources. It makes one disabled person seem “better” or “worse” than another. This artificial division only hurts us all, preventing us from focusing on the genuine problems we face.

Everyone has things they’re good at and things they’re not so good at. That’s just how people are. When someone has a disability, these strengths and weaknesses often just show up more clearly. My life is a perfect example. I need a lot of help with physical activities every day–like bathing and getting dressed. Many people might see this as a big weakness, a sign that I can’t do things on my own. I was once told that,

“Your life is simple because people do everything for you.”

My experiences have taught me something important. What seems like a weakness can hide enormous strength. At habitation programs I’ve been to, I’ve met many people who could move around much better than I. They can go to the bathroom by themselves and perform many daily tasks that I can’t. But many of these same people looked to me to speak for them. They couldn’t talk to explain what they needed or wanted. In those moments, my “weakness” became their strength. My ability to speak up, to ask for respect, and to fight for what’s right became an important asset for them.

Isaiah 45:9 NIV  “Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker, those who are nothing but potsherds among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘The potter has no hands’?

This shows why the idea of a disability hierarchy is harmful. It makes us look at easy-to-see differences and judge who is “more disabled” or “less able.” But being able to do things isn’t just one simple thing. It’s a mix of physical skills, thinking skills, feelings, and how we talk to each other. Someone who needs a lot of physical help might be incredibly smart or have a spirit that inspires everyone. Someone who can’t speak might show so much through their eyes or actions.

My journey, from needing total physical care to becoming a forceful advocate who speaks at big events and has a popular podcast, shows how strengths and weaknesses work together. My physical “weakness” has actually made my mind sharper and made me want to fight even harder for others. It has given me a way to understand and speak up for those who might not be heard.

To move forward, we need to get rid of this harmful idea of a hierarchy. Instead of comparing needs or ranking disabilities, we must see the true worth and special talents of every person in the disability community. We need to understand that real strength comes from working together, from making each other’s voices louder, and from supporting all the different ways we give and get help. Only then can we truly unite to demand the resources and respect we all deserve. We won’t be broken groups fighting over scraps, but a strong, united force for change. This September, let’s promise to see all the different strengths in our community and say no to anything that tries to divide us.

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