To: Federal Legislators
Keep the Promise: Fully Fund IDEA
Dear Decision Maker:
We call upon Congress and the President of the United States to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) at the 40% federal share originally promised when the law was enacted.
Nearly fifty years ago, Congress committed to covering up to 40% of the excess cost of educating students with disabilities. That promise has never been fulfilled. Today, federal funding covers only about 10% of those costs, leaving states and local school districts to shoulder the overwhelming burden.
As a result, schools across the nation struggle to provide the services and supports students with disabilities need and deserve. Districts face chronic shortages of special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, transportation staff, and paraprofessionals. Families encounter delays, reduced services, and unequal access to opportunities that are guaranteed under federal law.
Students with disabilities are entitled to a free and appropriate public education, but rights without adequate funding create impossible choices for schools and communities. Every dollar that is not provided through IDEA must be diverted from other educational programs, creating unnecessary strain on public education systems already facing significant challenges.
"Fund the Promise. Fund IDEA. Fund the Future."
Why is this important?
Disability rights are civil rights. Students with disabilities should not have to wait another generation for Congress to fulfill a promise that was made decades ago. Fully funding IDEA would improve outcomes for students with disabilities, strengthen public schools for all students, and honor the federal commitment made to millions of children and families.