A national coalition of disability organizations has launched a petition asking the Administration and members of Congress to keep the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) within the U.S. Department of Education.

OSERS administers programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which helps ensure students with disabilities receive the services and supports they need in school.

The petition follows a proposal to transfer the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Organizations leading the petition have outlined their concerns and are encouraging families, educators, professionals, and community members to make their voices heard.

To learn more about this issue, read Encircle Families Executive Director Christopher Tiffany’s opinion piece published by the Arizona Capitol Times, and our recent posts about the proposed transfer of OSERS and what it could mean for students with disabilities.
Opinion piece: Moving special education to HHS is a step backward for students with disabilities
Previous posts: What Families Should Know About a National Petition Related to Special Education Oversight and Education Department Shares New Details About Special Education Transition: What Families Should Know

How can you help?

  • Sign the petition by Thursday, July 16.
  • Share the petition with family members, educators, colleagues, and others who may want to have their voices heard.
SIGN THE PETITION

Thank you for taking the time to stay informed and for supporting efforts to ensure the voices of families and the disability community are heard.

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