IDEA Funding at Risk: What Families and Advocates Need to Know

Overview of Proposed FY 2026 Changes

Each year, Congress determines how much money schools receive to provide special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This year’s proposals could significantly reshape how funding works — and parents, families, and advocates must stay informed.

• The Administration’s FY 2026 budget request includes $14.89 billion for IDEA’s Grants to States program — the highest level ever requested (see: https://www.ed.gov/media/document/fy-2026-congressional-justification-special-education-110159.pdf).

• The proposal would merge the Preschool Grants program and several National Activities/discretionary grants into the core Grants to States funding stream (see: https://www.ed.gov/media/document/fiscal-year-2026-budget-summary-110043.pdf).

• Supporters say this consolidation would simplify funding and give states and districts more flexibility (see: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Fiscal-Year-2026-Discretionary-Budget-Request.pdf).

Why This Matters: Risks of Consolidation

While consolidation sounds efficient, advocates warn it could be detrimental to disability services:

1. Loss of Dedicated Funding — National Activities grants currently fund parent centers, staff training, research, and technical assistance. Without dedicated streams, these programs may shrink or disappear (see: https://www.k12dive.com/news/FY26-federal-special-education-funding-consolidation-White-House/750989/).

2. Reduced Transparency — Blended funds make it harder for parents and advocates to see how special education dollars are actually being spent.

3. Risk of Shifting Priorities — Districts under financial pressure may divert money away from direct student supports, even if IDEA still requires schools to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).

4. Local Impact on Services — Families could see fewer parent training resources, less staff development, and weaker enforcement of compliance safeguards.

What Parents and Advocates Can Do

1. Stay Informed and Ask Questions — At IEP meetings, ask districts: “How are IDEA funds being used to directly support my child’s needs?”

If your state shifts funds, request transparency about which programs will continue.

2. Contact Legislators — Share your story with your U.S. Senators and Representatives. Remind them that funding flexibility cannot replace accountability and transparency.

3. Work with Parent Centers — Stay connected to your state’s Parent Training and Information Center (PTI), which monitors changes and can help families respond. Find yours here: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/

4. Hold Districts Accountable — Even if funding structures change, IDEA protections remain the law. If services are cut or denied, families still have the right to request Prior Written Notice, file a state complaint, or pursue due process.

References

ED.gov – FY 2026 Congressional Justification: https://www.ed.gov/media/document/fy-2026-congressional-justification-special-education-110159.pdf

ED.gov – FY 2026 Budget Summary: https://www.ed.gov/media/document/fiscal-year-2026-budget-summary-110043.pdf

White House – FY 2026 Budget Request: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Fiscal-Year-2026-Discretionary-Budget-Request.pdf

K12 Dive – Coverage of Consolidation Risks: https://www.k12dive.com/news/FY26-federal-special-education-funding-consolidation-White-House/750989/

Parent Center Hub – Find Your Parent Center: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/