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Policy & Advocacy | November 9, 2025

October 2025 Policy News Round-Up

Congress recognized Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, there were major shakeups at the Department of Education, and NCLD hosted its second annual LD Summit—all while the government was shut down! See what NCLD is tracking this month.

Mass Firings Impacting Special Education and Other Programs at the U.S. Department of Education

On October 10, 2025, the Trump administration fired all but 2-5 staff in the U.S. Department of Education (USED) Office of Special Education Programs. Other offices deeply impacted include the Rehabilitation Services Administration, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), and Office for Civil Rights. These agencies play a necessary role in ensuring that states comply with IDEA and provide the necessary services for students with LD, as well as administering billions of dollars for the program. NCLD joined a broad coalition to condemn these actions and sent a letter to Congressional leaders requesting an oversight hearing.

Media outlets have covered these issues and interviewed NCLD; read our remarks in Hechinger Report, Inside Higher Ed, and Disability Scoop.

NCLD has supported Congressional leaders’ letters on the impact of these layoffs on students with disabilities, including a letter led by Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA-6), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), and Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), and a letter led by Sen. Chris Van Hollen.

Our partners at the National Down Syndrome Congress published a helpful FAQ.

Congress Recognizes October as LD Awareness Month

October was Learning Disabilities Awareness Month! A resolution (H.Res.793) recognizing the month was introduced in the House, led by Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA-26) and Erin Houchin (R-IN-9) and cosponsored by 13 other Members of Congress.

NCLD Hosts LD Summit

On October 7 & 8, NCLD hosted the second Learning Disabilities Summit in Washington, DC. The event brought together young adult advocates, parents, educators, and professionals to discuss important issues facing the LD community. Participants also had meetings on Capitol Hill with their Members of Congress.

Disability Rights Groups Push for More Accountability and Inclusiveness from the Federal Government Letters

The Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities Education Taskforce (CCD), the nation’s largest disability rights coalition, urged the U.S. Department of Education (USED) to end the use of the harmful and stigmatizing phrase, “Special Needs”, in official correspondence. The groups, including NCLD, asked ED to use either students with disabilities or disabled students.  

CCD also urged the U.S. Department of Education to rescind a proposal that would end a critical transparency requirement for states to address racial disproportionality in special education. Read the full letter here. 

Advocacy Opportunities

NCLD’s Action Center enables you to contact your Members of Congress and make your voice heard on issues important to students with disabilities. Send a message to your Members of Congress about the staffing levels at the U.S. Department of Education.

ICYMI 

  • NCLD participated in a day of grassroots advocacy at the Stephen Gaynor School’s first Advocacy Fair. 150 postcards sharing essential issues to the LD community were sent to Capitol Hill at the event.
  • On October 7 & 8, NCLD hosted the second annual Learning Disabilities Summit in Washington, DC. The event brought together young adult advocates, parents, educators, and professionals to discuss important issues facing the LD community. Participants also had meetings on Capitol Hill with their Members of Congress. 

What We’re Reading: