Ever since elementary school, some of my fondest memories have come from volunteering as a buddy for disabled students. Activities such as eating lunch with them, helping with homework, or even simply spending time with them have allowed me to gain a greater perspective on the importance of support systems. Even now, as a high schooler, I see how critical it is to have courses such as Individualized Education Programs or 504 plans. Without opportunities and this guidance, disabled students would be at a true disadvantage academically, not warranting them a fair education.
There are over 75 million students with disabilities in American public schools. However, only 15% of them receive additional support from the school system, according to the National Center for Education.
Last year, on March 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, jeopardizing the future of students with disabilities by cutting funding from supportive educational programs.
The Trump administration’s policies are detrimental to disabled students because they strip away critical resources necessary for the success of disabled students. Not only does it deteriorate their own future, but it also widens the gap in academic achievement between disabled and non-disabled students.
The Trump administration proposed to revoke the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. IDEA, a civil rights act that provides free guidance resources, like Individualized Education Programs, which are customized learning plans that outline specific education goals for disabled students, according to the Dep of Education. Through IDEA, the United States Department of Education supplies more than $15 billion annually to support 7.4 million disabled students, according to CNN.
With this valuable resource currently being stripped away, the academic success of disabled students may be impeded, as schools will lose the ability to customize education to individual needs.
Not only will programs like IDEA be removed, but those who accompany the job will lose their position. The Trump administration has since fired more than half of the USDE board, according to the National Education Association.
Although the Trump administration has yet to be successful with shutting down the USDE, families with disabled students are concerned they will lose the necessary federal funding to educate and protect their children, especially because nearly 95% of students with disabilities receive education through public schools, according to the NEA.
Americans must ask school boards and politicians to allocate additional funds to the programs that assist students with disabilities who are impacted by the department’s closure to safeguard the future of these students.
To hold leaders accountable, we as a community need to write emails or letters and attend local district board meetings to raise awareness on the issue. Moreover, Congress must pass laws that reinstate funding for programs, like IEPs, which are threatened due to this discriminatory order. These resources provide students with disabilities a chance to gain equitable access to education, and without them, their chances of academic independence are diminished.
Unfortunately, when funding is deprived from schools, it harms the most vulnerable students. All of America must come together to ensure that the Trump administration cannot risk such a vital resource at the expense of millions of disabled students and their families. Most importantly, students must form a community that fights for the justice of disabled students who deserve a fair education.
Reflecting on my experiences working with disabled students and taking into account the future of disabled students in America, change is not an option but an essential. Students who have disabilities are not defined by their disabilities. All students have the right to an education and a fair one. Disabled students must be given a chance to succeed in life, and that begins with a protected and supportive education.
Olivia Levesque Ouellette is a student journalist from the Bay Area and Sports Editor for her school publication, The Epitaph. From a young age, she worked with students with disabilities and dedicated herself to advocating for their rights.