All students deserve an education that sparks their curiosity and desire to learn. Special education fits our most vulnerable students’ unique needs.
Public schools across the nation provide special education services to more than 7 million students with disabilities—about 14 percent of all public school students.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act reflects the federal government’s commitment to provide a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities and pay 40 percent of the additional cost, but that commitment remains unfulfilled.
The federal share of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has fallen to less than 16 percent.
Help all students get the support and tools they need for learning.
It’s time to fulfill America’s promise of equal opportunity for all students.
NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.
Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools
A bill to amend part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to provide full Federal funding of such part.
A bill to amend part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to provide full Federal funding of such part.
A bill that would amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to require notification with respect to individualized education program teams, and for other purposes.
Public schools across the country today provide special education services to more than 7 million youngsters or 14 percent of public school students.
Federal Government's CommitmentThe federal law has always included a commitment to pay 40 percent of the average per student cost for every special education student. In the 2019 fiscal year, the federal government provided less than half of the full funding level for states.
Federal share of the average per student costThe federal share of the average per student cost was 13 percent in the 2020 fiscal year, the smallest share since the 2000 fiscal year.
Funding GapIn the school year 2020-21, the federal appropriation was $23.6 billion less than full funding, which states and districts had to cover.
Filling the GapThis shortfall creates a burden on local communities and denies full opportunity to all students—with and without disabilities.
President Nixon signs the Rehabilitation Act, which replaces the Vocational Rehabilitation Act, to emphasize services to expand federal responsibilities and training programs for individuals with disabilities.
President Ford signs the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. The law guarantees access to a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment to every child with a disability. The law promises that the federal government will cover 40 percent of the extra cost of special education.
The Individuals with Disabilities Act replaces the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. The law includes a requirement that public schools create an Individualized Education Program that specifies the services to be provided and how often, as well as accommodations and modifications to be made. Pres. George H.W. Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act.
