Officials from the U.S. Department of Education held a private briefing on Thursday with disability rights advocates to discuss plans to transfer special education offices to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Acting Assistant Secretary Kelly Rogers stated that the move would not harm federal protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), noting that the Education Department will retain legal oversight while HHS provides additional support.
Advocacy groups expressed concern following the call, citing a lack of a transparent timeline and potential bureaucratic confusion. Chad Rummel of the Council for Exceptional Children said the briefing left more questions than answers, while Denise Marshall of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates suggested the move could create uncertainty for families and educators.
The Education Department characterized the reorganization as part of the administration's "Returning Education to the States" campaign, aimed at streamlining federal functions. Personnel from the Office for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) are expected to transition to HHS to leverage that agency's experience with disability services. The department did not provide a specific date for when the transition would be completed.