{"aiVersion":"1","content":{"id":"cmqn2ztps0004104huc0a0c05","slug":"why-disability-advocates-worry-about-the-move-of-s-20260621","title":"Why Disability Advocates Worry About the Move of Special Education","level":"MEDIUM","publishedAt":"2026-06-21T01:01:43.360Z"},"topic":{"slug":"why-disability-advocates-worry-about-the-move-of-s-20260621","category":"education"},"article":{"paragraphs":["On June 16, 2026, the federal government announced that oversight of special education will be moved to the Department of Health and Human Services. The Department of Justice will handle civil rights enforcement in schools. The Education Department has already had parts of its work shifted to other agencies, and this change has been presented as an effort to reduce federal bureaucracy. The Education Department distributes billions of dollars to schools each year, and advocates worry about how funds will be managed.","Disability advocates have reacted strongly, although the administration has said services will continue. Many advocates are concerned because Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who leads Health and Human Services, has made public statements about autism that critics say are wrong. Since these issues affect children and families directly, groups have asked for clear plans about funding, enforcement, and protections. While federal rules remain important, advocates fear that weaker oversight could make it harder for students to get individualized services and support."],"wordCount":162,"readTime":2},"vocabulary":[{"word":"bureaucracy","example":"The school system has a lot of bureaucracy.","phonetic":"/bjʊəˈrɒk.rə.si/","definition":"A system of government departments and officials"},{"word":"enforcement","example":"Enforcement of rules helps protect students.","phonetic":"/ɪnˈfɔːrs.mənt/","definition":"Making sure rules are followed"},{"word":"advocate","example":"An advocate asked for a meeting with officials.","phonetic":"/ˈæd.və.kət/","definition":"A person or group that supports a cause"},{"word":"individualized","example":"Students need individualized services at school.","phonetic":"/ɪnˈdɪvɪdʒuəˌlaɪzd/","definition":"Made or chosen for one person"}],"quiz":[{"answer":"June 16, 2026","question":"When was the announcement?"},{"answer":"the Department of Justice","question":"Which department will handle civil rights enforcement in schools?"},{"answer":"The American Federation of Teachers","question":"Which union criticized the move?"}],"discussion":[{"question":"Do you think large changes in school rules are easy to understand? Why?"},{"question":"Have you or a friend ever needed a meeting with school officials? What happened?"},{"question":"What would you ask officials if you were worried about school services?"},{"question":"Would you prefer local or national decisions about school programs? Why?"}]}