English Translation:
Marla Hatrak
November 9. 2025

Hi, my name is Dr. Marla Hatrak, NAD’s Educational Policy Consultant.
Last month on October 10, 2025, nearly every special education expert at the Department of Education was terminated. Currently, it is in the hands of the court. Despite this, it is clear the White House is determined to move all functions to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
The primary reason for opposing the IDEA to move to DHHS is because IDEA ensures that children with disabilities maintain their civil rights within education settings. If IDEA is moved to DHHS, they will be considered medical issues.

In light of recent events at the U.S. Department of Education and actions that threaten the IDEA and the rights of children with disabilities, National Association of the Deaf (NAD) proudly joined a virtual Town Hall on November 4, 2025 with:
1. parents.
2. educators,
3. advocates, and
4. disability allies,
Together, we discussed ways to use our collective voice to urge the Administration and Congress to support children with disabilities and protect the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

There is a 7-page tool kit for parents and advocates AND partner organizations:

For parents and advocates, there are 3 actions you can take:
1. Communicate with Congress and the White House
2. Communicate with your Governor or State Attorney General
3. File a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights
For state associations of the deaf and NAD affiliates, there are resources to share with your members. Check out the tool kit for examples.

Link

Virtual Town Hall: To Protect Children with Disabilities & IDEA
Link