HOT TOPICS: Federal Changes to Special Education with Robyn Linscott, The Arc of the US
In this conversation, we speak with Robyn Linscott, Director of Education & Family Policy at The Arc of the United States. Drawing on her experience as a special education teacher, Capitol Hill staffer, and advocate, Robyn offers a national perspective on how federal policy shapes special education across the country. She explains the role of the federal government in funding, enforcement, and oversight through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and breaks down what recent federal changes—particularly within the U.S. Department of Education—could mean for students with disabilities, families, and educators. The conversation explores the disconnect between policy and classroom realities, the strain on school systems due to chronic underfunding, and the uncertainty created by shifting federal priorities. Robyn emphasizes the importance of maintaining federal protections while encouraging advocacy at every level to ensure students with disabilities continue to receive the supports they need.
Takeaways:
* The federal government’s role in special education centers on funding, enforcement, and oversight—not day-to-day school operations.
* IDEA guarantees students with disabilities a free and appropriate public education, but it has never been fully funded as originally intended.
* Underfunding creates significant pressure on school districts, educators, and service providers.
* There is often a disconnect between policymakers and classroom realities, highlighting the need for lived experience in policy spaces.
* Changes within the U.S. Department of Education—especially around staffing and enforcement—can create uncertainty and instability at the local level.
* Enforcement mechanisms, like federal oversight and the Office for Civil Rights, are critical for protecting student rights.
* School systems are often forced to meet minimum legal requirements rather than optimal supports due to limited resources.
* Advocacy at all levels—from federal policy to local school boards—plays a key role in protecting and strengthening special education systems.
Resources in this episode:
* The Arc of the United States: https://thearc.org/
* The Arc Advocacy Center (Take Action): https://thearc.org/take-action/
* IDEA Overview: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/
* OSEP State Determinations: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/spp-apr/
Acronym Guide:
UCEDD: University Center for Excellence Developmental Disabilities
LEND: Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IEP: Individualized Education Program
OSEP: Office of Special Education Programs
OCR: Office for Civil Rights
Interview Transcript: ihd.umkc.edu/products
For more information about UMKC-Institute for Human Development, visit ihd.umkc.edu
