10/16/2025
❗️ATTENTION FAMILIES: IDEA Is Still in Full Effect - Students’ Rights Remain Protected
The Parent Training and Information Center of Nebraska (PTI Nebraska) wants to reassure families that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal special education law, remains fully in effect. The rights and protections it guarantees for students with disabilities are still here and have not changed.
We recognize that the recent information regarding reductions in force at the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) is very concerning for everyone, but please know that IDEA IS still in place and your child’s rights DO remain protected.
What does this mean? Your rights as a parent in the special education evaluation process and in the IEP process are still in place. Your child’s rights to the following are still in place:
◾️Special Education Evaluations - These are still happening. Your child still has access to appropriate evaluations that assess their strengths and areas of needs/challenges
◾️Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) - They are still in place. Your child still has goals, specially designed instruction, and an array of supports and services tailored to their needs in school. Your child still has access to their related services, such as speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, transportation, and more. You will also still have IEP meetings to review and revise your child’s IEP based on their needs and progress
◾️Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) - This is still required. Your child is entitled to a free education that is designed to meet their unique educational needs, both academic and functional (behavioral, social-emotional, organizational, speech-language, hearing, vision, motor skills, communication, sensory, etc.)
◾️Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) - This is still required. Your child should learn alongside peers without disabilities whenever appropriate, with the supports and services they need to be successful
◾️Parent and Student Rights - These are still intact. You and your child still have all the rights (procedural safeguards) outlined in the IDEA and your own state special education regulations (In Nebraska, this is Rule 51)
◾️Transition Planning - This is still required. Your child, age 14+, must have a transition plan that helps them prepare for life after high school, that focuses on post-secondary education, employment/jobs, and also independent living skills, where appropriate
During this unsettling time, PTI Nebraska remains dedicated to providing helpful information, individualized support, resources, and training opportunities for families across Nebraska who are navigating the special education process, as well as families whose children are receiving early intervention services or services through Section 504 plans and Student Assistance Teams (SATs, also known as MTSS and RtI).
We will continue to monitor developments and share updates with you that are verified and reliable when available. It’s more important than ever to stay informed about what’s happening and understand how to support and advocate for your child.
Our priority is ensuring that families have the information they need to advocate for their children’s needs and rights, and to collaborate effectively with educators/schools to help improve outcomes for their children and help them thrive in school.
If you have questions or need guidance, please reach out to PTI Nebraska!
We are here for you! ♥️
-The PTI Nebraska Team
