Despite a proposed $539 million dollar increase over the FY 2026 budget, special education administrative organizations and disability rights advocacy groups say the federal spending plan zero funds and consolidates several programs for FY 2027, similar to the administration’s FY 26 proposal. Those changes would make states less accountable for provisions under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and would erode the services and supports that students, families and special educators rely on, they say.
“While the budget includes a relatively small increase for IDEA, we can’t let that distract us from the big picture,” said Chad Rummel, executive director of the Council for Exceptional Children, in an April 10 email to K-12 Dive. “Proposed cuts to special education [programs], K-12 education, educator preparation, and education research, will cause significant harm for students and educators.”
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