When the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was signed into law 50 years ago, it promised to fund 40% of the per student costs. It promised students with disabilities guaranteed access to a free and quality public education.
Fast forward to 2025, and federal funding sits at nearly 10% since as of February. More than 7 million children across the United States depend on special education services, which school districts now refer to as exceptional children’s services. But recent cuts to the Department of Education are taking more resources away from the historically underfunded programs under IDEA.
On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” program host Rose Scott talked with Anita Hagins Jones, president of the Georgia PTA, Lola Green, president of the Georgia Special Education PTSA, Theneshia Dixon, legislative chair for the Special Education PTSA, and Cobb County School Board Member Leroy “Tre” Hutchins, who is also a special education specialist.
Read this story now for free
To continue reading, sign up for our newsletter and get unlimited access to WABE.org
You can select your preferences for news and local content. We will never share your email address. Learn how your newsletter sign-up will support WABE and Public Media
