About one-third of all occupational therapy practitioners work in public schools, or early intervention programs, as related services personnel under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA), or Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) under in the Every Students Succeeds Act (ESSA). The Department of Education provides guidance to states on the implementation of IDEA and ESSA, to ensure that students have access to the resources and services promised by these laws. The Department supports schools in their effort to provide access to the services of school-based professionals, like occupational therapy, students need to achieve greater academic success.
Multiple news sources have reported that the Administration is considering a Presidential executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. While the Administration can shut down parts of the agency that are not written into law, Congress created the Department of Education, so only Congress has the power to eliminate it. It’s vital for your Members of Congress to hear from you today about the importance of the Department of Education.
Help preserve access to school-based OT services. Contact your Members of Congress today!