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). 

On March 20th, the President signed an executive order (EO) directing Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to take "all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education (ED)." 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. Additionally, the Budget Resolution passed by the House of Representatives seeks $330 billion in cuts from programs overseen by the Committee on Education and the Workforce. These programs include the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and student loan programs.

The Department of Education provides guidance to states on the implementation and coordination of IDEA and ESSA, to ensure that students have access to the resources and services promised by these laws. This guidance, along with federal funding, is how the Department supports schools in their effort to provide access to the services of the school-based professionals, like occupational therapy, students need to achieve greater academic success. 

It’s vital for your Members of Congress to hear from you today about the importance of the Department of Education and robust federal funding.

Contact your Members of Congress today!