Examining the White House’s Special Education Simplified Funding Program
Recently, the White House released its annual federal budget. If you're like me, this day usually comes and goes unnoticed. But, for the special education community, 2026 isn't like most years.
Let’s break down how this recent proposed budget may directly affect your child’s special education services.
I want to first make one thing very clear: Budgets are only proposals until approved by Congress. This budget may spark debate across (and within) party lines in the coming weeks, but—for now—it is a request. In fact, it’s right in the name: 2026 Budget Request.
So, what does this budget propose to do with funding for special education programs?
The budget proposes a new approach to funding called the Special Education Simplified Funding Program. According to the budget, this program will continue funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act—yay! However, it calls for restructuring IDEA which could directly impact how funding is directed and handled at the federal and state level—uhh?
Basically, it’s still unclear exactly what IDEA could look like should this proposed budget be passed by Congress. It’s also unclear whether any significant changes to IDEA are being proposed at all. One thing is clear: Opponents of these proposed changes to IDEA fear that restructuring could lead to less funding and less accountability.
The reality is, we’re in sort of a political limbo right now. We’re waiting for:
A more detailed budget
How Congress will handle the requests laid out in this budget
What IDEA and its funding could look like based on what is approved
We’ll certainly be looking to Congress to uphold the trend of funding and protecting IDEA—a trend that could have critical implications for years to come. For now, I’ll leave you with two thoughts:
IDEA has never been fully funded, but educators and administrators have always found a way to provide individualized services and support for all students.
The disability community and its allies have fought for decades to successfully defend the legal protections afforded by IDEA, ADA, and the Rehab Act—and will continue to.
If you’d like to read more about executive orders, disability laws, and a history of how protections like IDEA have stood the test of time, check out my previous post!
