11/19/2025
Today, the Administration announced steps toward dismantling the Department of Education, which would be devastating to the students served by many OT practitioners.
As it stands now, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) would remain at ED, but K-12 education programs would be moved to the Department of Labor. AOTA strongly believes that general education should not be separated from special education, and that K-12 programs must be administered by a department focused on the education of students.
We are working closely with coalition partners to coordinate efforts to amplify OT’s voice, and engaging with our Congressional champions, on both sides of the aisle, about the importance of protecting the essential role of ED in supporting students and ensuring access to high quality education for all.
You have a voice through AOTA. Take action now to remind Congress of IDEA’s importance: aota.org/takeaction 👈
📣 Join our webinar on November 20 to discuss the past, present, and future of IDEA—register now: https://bit.ly/49ZJ1sc