In our panel we informed the community on how federal education, health, and immigration policies are impacting California schools and young people with disabilities. We explored the changing education funding landscape and increased immigration enforcement, and ways we can continue to support young people and their families and preserve vital disability services.

• Back-to-School: Impacts of Federal Policy Changes on Disabled Students and Their Families (Spanish)

About the Virtual Town Hall:

There are proposals to change the way that federal funding is allocated to states by the Department of Education. We want to directly explain what is happening, what impacts are felt, and potential impacts that could happen down the line.

DRC understands that many families depend on schools to provide needed support and services to students with disabilities. We want this town hall to cut through the noise to emphasize what is most relevant to families of students with disabilities.

In this town hall, we covered:

• Preserving Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds for school and community services for disabled youth in California.
• The reduction in staff and funding of the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights and state-level civil rights enforcement alternatives.
• The impact of immigration enforcement activity and changes in health services on students and families.
• Impacts of MediCal funding adjustments.

Panelists:

Cheryl A. Theis is the Director of Education at Support for Families of Children with Disabilities in San Francisco. With almost three decades of experience in disability rights and education advocacy—and as a person with a disability and parent of children with disabilities—she directs county, state, and federally funded programs that empower families to overcome barriers and expand opportunities for youth with disabilities to be meaningfully engaged in education, employment, and community life.

Oscar Daniel Lopez is the Associate Managing Attorney for the Mental Health Practice Group (MHPG) at Disability Rights California (DRC). The MHPG advocates for community-based mental health services and against forced institutionalization and incarceration of adults and youth with mental health disabilities.

Saran Tugsjargal is a globally recognized leader whose advocacy spans from the state, national, and international levels. From serving as one of the inaugural Student Commissioners for the California Department of Education Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE), to advancing policy with Mental Health America, they now shape international disability rights through the U.S. International Council on Disabilities. She advocates across education, mental health, and social welfare to ensure systems are designed and work for the people.

Resources for Families & Advocates

Prepared by Support for Families

Policy & Funding Threats

Why Moving DOE Programs to HHS Could Hurt Students

Shifting IDEA oversight from the Department of Education to Health & Human Services risks weakening civil rights enforcement and reframing disability supports as “medical” rather than educational.

• The Arc: Why Moving IDEA to HHS Could Harm Students With Disabilities
• EdWeek: Why Trump’s Move to Shift Special Ed. to HHS Is Rattling Educators

What is the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) & What Got Cut Recently

RSA funds vocational rehabilitation and independent living. Recent federal cuts (~$800M nationally) affected teacher training, after-school programs, English learner/migrant supports, and intersecting disability programs.

• RSA Overview: Rehabilitation Services Administration
• CalMatters: Trump is withholding $800 million from California schools. How kids will be affected

What are Block Grants

Block grants are fixed federal sums given to states with broad discretion. Advocates warn they reduce accountability and widen inequities, especially harming students with disabilities.

• AFT Info Sheet: Block Grants: An Old Mistake Masquerading as a New Solution

Medicaid and School-Based Services Basics

Medicaid helps schools fund critical health and therapy services for eligible students (nursing, counseling, therapies).

• Medicaid.gov: Medicaid & School Based Services

Parent & Family Support Structures

What is Part D of IDEA

Part D provides federal grants for personnel prep, technical assistance, family training, and dissemination.

• ECTA Center: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

What is a CPRC

Community Parent Resource Centers serve underserved families, providing advocacy, training, and special education support.

• Parent Center Hub: PTIs and CPRCs: Resources for Parents

What is a PTI

Parent Training and Information Centers help families of children with disabilities (birth–26) navigate IDEA rights and services.

• Find Your PTI: Find Your Parent Center

Map to Find PTIs in California

California’s PTIs include DREDF (Northern CA), Matrix (Marin/North Bay), TASK (Southern CA).

• Parent Center Hub Map: Find Your Parent Center in California