NDSS opposes any efforts to abolish or undermine the work of the U.S. Department of Education and the work they do to ensure access to a free appropriate public education to students with Down syndrome and other disabilities. Learn more about our work to protect the systems of support that allow people with Down syndrome to thrive in their classrooms: Department of Education Advocacy Toolkit.
Overview
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was signed into law in 1975, and guaranteed students with disabilities a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. When IDEA was originally passed, the federal government promised to fund 40% of the average per-pupil expenditure, with state and local educational agencies expected to provide the rest of the funding. However, the federal government has fallen consistently short of this promise, with Congress currently appropriating about 13% of the cost to provide quality special education to students with disabilities.
Additional information on the different parts of IDEA:
- Part B Section 611: provides funds to states for special education services for students with disabilities aged 3-21.
- Part B Section 619: provides funds to states for additional services for students with disabilities aged 3-5.
- Part C: provides funding for early intervention services for children from birth to age 2.
- Part D: provides funding for the National Programs to Improve Education of Children with Disabilities. This includes continued training for teachers, parent training and information centers, technical assistance for local educational agencies, and more.
IDEA Full Funding Act
At the federal level, NDSS supports the IDEA Full Funding Act. This legislation would create a glidepath for Congress to follow over the next 10 years to fulfill their promise of providing 40% of the average per-pupil expenditure for special education costs. Full federal funding would provide students with Down syndrome and other disabilities improved access to accommodations, specialized instruction, and other related services.
The IDEA Full Funding Act (S. 1277 / H.R. 2598) was introduced by Senator Van Hollen (D-MD) and Representative Huffman (D-CA) on April 4th, 2025. You can use our action alert here to make a difference!
