The Trump administration is laying off a substantial number of federal workers amid the government shutdown. According to NPR, the White House is now gutting the office responsible for overseeing special education, and making sure states provide special education services to millions of children with disabilities in the U.S.
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services within the Department of Education is keeping only a handful of top officials and other staff, NPR reports. The OSERS is responsible for ensuring states’ compliance with the landmark Individuals with Disabilities Act and offering guidance to families of children with disabilities.
The impact of these layoffs on the 7.5 million children with disabilities remains to be seen. The IDEA ensures children with disabilities the right to a free and appropriate education. According to NPR, states must prove to OSERS that they are complying with IDEA law. Without OSERS, students with disabilities will lose a safeguard in ensuring their rights are being met.
The layoffs come after the White House previously announced plans to dismantle the Department of Education altogether.
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