06/19/2026
Dear ASK Families,
Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Education formally announced an interagency agreement to transfer the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office for Civil Rights to the Department of Justice.
We know this news may feel unsettling. When systems change, it is natural to have questions about what it means for your child, your family, and the supports you depend on.
As Iowa’s federally designated Parent Training and Information Center, ASK Resource Center is here to help families navigate moments like this with clear, reliable information.
At this time, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, commonly known as IDEA, remains in effect. The rights and protections available to children with disabilities and their families have not changed.
As families prepare for the upcoming school year, we encourage you to continue participating in IEP meetings, requesting evaluations, asking questions, documenting concerns, and using the special education processes available to you under the law.
Although we do not yet know what these federal changes will look like in practice, our role remains the same. ASK will continue sharing timely information, answering questions, and helping families across the state navigate special education, disability services, and available supports.
If you need help navigating special education or have questions about disability services, ASK remains a steady and trusted resource for you. We are here for Iowa families, and our work continues.
If you are interested in advocating for strong protections for students with disabilities, consider connecting with state and national policy advocacy groups and reaching out to your US Representatives and Senators to share your voice.
To learn more about ASK’s mission and services, visit www.askresource.org or call us at 1-800-450-8667.
For more details about the changes, see the fact sheets below:
bit.ly/4exLA5z
bit.ly/4eyaIJw
