Why Disability Advocates Worry About the Move of Special Education

The U.S. government moved responsibility for special education to the Department of Health and Human Services. The announcement came on June 16, 2026, in Washington, D.C. For years, the Education Department helped schools run programs and gave money to states.

Disability groups are worried about the change. They point to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who leads Health and Human Services, and to his past comments on autism. Many parents and advocates fear that services for students with disabilities could weaken. Many groups asked for meetings with officials. They said federal money and enforcement must continue.