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Take ACTION Preserve IDEA and Support Individuals with Disabilities
Protecting Students’ Rights and Special Education Services
What Happened:
The U.S. Department of Education has laid off most staff from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and related divisions. These cuts dismantle key federal protections ensuring students with disabilities receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under IDEA.
Why It Matters:
OSEP enforces special education law, supports teacher training, funds family support programs, and monitors compliance nationwide. With over 95% of staff gone, oversight and accountability are at serious risk—potentially impacting millions of children.
■■ Who Is Speaking Out
Coalition of Disability, Civil Rights, and Education Organizations
Full Statement | Sign-on Form (open until Oct. 21) CAFSE & IDEA Full Funding Coalition Urging SELPAs, CACs, and LEAs to support reinstatement of staff. SELPA Administrators of California “Restore OSEP and OSERS immediately—students with disabilities must continue to access protections guaranteed under federal law.” Council for Exceptional Children & Council of Special Education AdministratorsAct Now DREDF (Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund)
■ What You Can Do
Call or email your Members of Congress to reinstate OSEP staff.
Find your elected officials Share your story
Tell DREDF how these cuts impact your family Stay informed and involved
Visit dredf.org, aapd.com, and thearc.org for updates.
Community Advisory Committee for Special Education (CAC), SFUSD
■ Visit our table to learn more about how CAC advocates for inclusion, accessibility, and family voice in education.
Priority CA Legislation:
AB-1454 Pupil literacy: credential program standards and professional development: instructional materials. Status: 6/18 in Senate Ed Committee
AB 1121- Early literacy: professional development Status: 4/30 referred to Assembly Ed Committee on 4/30
AB 1224- Teacher credentialing: substitute teachers Status: 6/5 first hearing cancelled
AB 1009- Administrative services credential: OT and PT Status: 6/23 in Suspense File
AB 606- Professional services credential: out-of-state applicants Status: 6/23 in Suspense File
AB 560- Special education: resource specialists: special classes Status: 6/11 in senate committee on education
Oppose- SB 64 (failed) and SCA1 (didn't move forward)- School Choice and Special Education Flex Accounts- Failed in committee
SFUSD a Sanctuary district - Know your rights
SFUSD a Sanctuary district - Know your rights
California, San Francisco, and SFUSD are and will always be sanctuaries committed to standing up for immigrant communities. We want all of our students, caregivers, and staff to be prepared and
know their rights.
The San Francisco Unified School District is a safe haven for all students regardless of citizenship status.
Every student has the right to attend school regardless of the immigration status of the child or of the child’s family members.
All students, if they meet the federal and state criteria, are entitled to receive school services including free/reduced price school meals, transportation and other educational services.
Be familiar with and raise awareness of Sanctuary City Ordinance & SFUSD Policy
FOR FAMILIES - FAQs for Families (translations), webpage, Superintendent Maria Su’s message to families
FOR STUDENTS: VVMS Multilingual Lesson on ICE
Don’t Forget Immigrants with Disabilities in Protection Efforts
by Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights
SELPA Legislative Advocacy Days 2023 and 2024
Google Sites
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