Only donate if we've informed you about important Michigan issues
See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:
- “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
- “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
- “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.
If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!
Opinion | Special ed parent, teacher on 50 years of disabilities education act
Share this:
As a parent of a child with a disability, nothing prepared me for the shock of seeing how many laws were being overlooked, and how many children were struggling without the supports and services they needed. And if anyone should have been prepared, it was me: I’ve spent my career teaching special education students from birth to age 26 across urban and suburban districts.
My experience as a parent and teacher has led me to advocate for change with the Michigan Education Justice Coalition (MEJC), working to ensure families have the information, resources, and support they need to secure a meaningful education for their children.
When I sat on the other side of the table as a parent, I did not feel treated as an equal partner. I was often told what was going to happen rather than collaborating as a team. Unless you know exactly what to ask for, you won’t get it, and districts rarely volunteer information, often because they lack the resources to provide what your child needs. It made me wonder: How would I feel if I didn’t have a background in education? If I was sitting at the table and knew that my child wasn’t being supported properly, but didn’t know how to advocate? If I didn’t know what I didn’t know?
This month marks the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Fifty years ago, children were falling through the cracks — segregated, excluded, or even institutionalized. IDEA was created to correct these injustices and to make sure that all students were given the opportunity to receive a strong public education.
Today, the core principles of special education — Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), appropriate evaluation, Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), parental and student participation and procedural safeguards — are widely recognized.
Parental rights give families a voice in shaping and overseeing their child’s education. Yet too many students still slip through the gaps in the system.
Parents need an equal seat at the table, and districts need the resources to uphold these rights under the law. Educational needs aren’t defined by medical diagnoses, and a doctor’s note isn’t required to provide support. Parents need to understand that a child’s needs being met in a school setting is an important part of IDEA. This is where appropriate evaluation comes in. Without data, it is just opinion – and opinion has no place in an IEP.
Special education remains chronically underfunded. The federal government promised to fund IDEA at 40%, but funding has historically been less than 12%. Michigan cannot make up the difference, so districts must dip into general education funding to cover the costs. Even well-intentioned districts struggle to meet every child’s needs. Critical positions like social workers and school psychologists are hard to fill, classes remain oversized, and teachers can’t build the relationships students need. We also need to ensure that alternate career pathways, such as technical education, are also well funded, so that every student is set up for success.
Every child can learn and grow; some just take a different path. What matters is ensuring every child has the resources they need to get there.
My son has a language processing disorder, yet he’s an incredible welder. Early on, he had strong teachers and support staff who helped him thrive. But when we moved to a smaller district, those resources simply weren’t there, even in a higher income area. High school brought constant staff and administrative turnover making consistent support nearly impossible. Despite our advocacy, he often fell through the cracks.
Parents, know your rights under IDEA and fight for the supports your child needs. Teachers, understand that your words can inspire, discourage, or even harm a child’s confidence and sense of self-worth. Administrators, empower your staff to lead meaningful change, and ensure you follow through to support families as they navigate challenges.
The promise of IDEA – that all children deserve a high-quality education – is still worth fighting for, now more than ever. Fifty years later, students still face barriers, schools remain stubbornly underfunded, and limited resources are stretched ever more thin. Proposed federal cuts could make it even harder to ensure students get the support, and protections, they need. Parents, teachers, and administrators must know their rights, advocate for funding, and work together so every child can thrive.
As a parent, I once felt isolated at one side of the table. As a teacher, I now use a round table — because there are no sides. We are all on the same team, and together, we can make IDEA’s promise a reality for every student.
Related
Bridge welcomes guest columns from a diverse range of people on issues relating to Michigan and its future. The views and assertions of these writers do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan. Bridge does not endorse any individual guest commentary submission. If you are interested in submitting a guest commentary, email your submission or idea to guestcommentary@bridgemi.com. Click here for details and submission guidelines.