Understood

Trump administration splits special education oversight between HHS and DOJ

The Trump administration just split federal oversight of special education between two agencies: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). Special education exists so that students with disabilities can participate, learn, and make progress in school alongside their peers. It’s rooted in education law, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Some say a move to HHS could improve coordination with health, mental health, and other services. But it could also shift thinking to a medical model of disability, which views disabilities as an impairment to diagnose, treat, and “fix.” That’s different from how schools approach disability today. Schools use a social or education model, focusing on using students’ strengths and removing barriers to help them access learning. Special education has historically been administered by an agency with expertise in educating students with disabilities, not servicing them. A move to HHS could weaken and fragment students’ education rights. Having different aspects of education divided between agencies could make it harder for parents to file complaints when needed. It’s unclear how these changes will impact special education. For now, nothing changes the fact that all children have the right to a free appropriate public education. This is a developing story. Be sure to follow @Understoodorg for more updates.