Join Colleen, The Advocate SLP, as she delves into the obvious but often unspoken barrier for students receiving special education. This episode uncovers the financial constraints and systemic issues that impact decision making at IEP meetings, highlighting the need parents and school team members to come together to support legislative and policy changes that will fulfill the promise of IDEA.

Key Points:

The hidden financial pressures in IEP meetings. Historical context of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The ongoing struggle for adequate funding and support from the federal government. The importance of advocacy and collective action for change.

Call to Action: Write your representatives about supporting the IDEA Full Funding Act

Copy and edit this form letter from the National Education Association: https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/action-center/take-action/fulfill-promise-individuals-disabilities-education-act

Sources:

https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/federal-budget-signed-education-funding-confirmed-fiscal-year-2024https://www.aasa.org/news-media/news/2025/04/03/idea-full-funding-act-bill-reintroduced-by-reps.-huffman-thompson-and-sen.-van-hollen-to-fully-fund-special-educationhttps://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/2017menu_tables.asphttps://www.sandiegounified.org/about/budget/2025-26_budget

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/2217