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He Spent 35 Years As A School Janitor. Lawsuit Says He Was Paid Less Than His Coworkers

For more than three decades, Paul Rooney, who has intellectual disability, showed up to sweep floors, clean bathrooms and tidy classrooms. But his family now charges he was being taken advantage of.

February 10, 2026
Desks with papers on them in school classroom

Altering IDEA Poses ‘Substantial Risk’ To Students With Disabilities, Advocates Warn

Federal lawmakers are considering taking up legislation that would amend IDEA, a move that advocates fear could open the door to broader changes amid an already tumultuous time for special education.

February 9, 2026
Person puts clothing on hanger

High School Diploma Cost Student With Intellectual Disability Future Access, Family Says

Makena Simonsen graduated with a 3.87 GPA, but reads, writes and does math at an elementary grade level. Now, her family is suing, arguing the district gave her a "meaningless" diploma.

February 6, 2026

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Exterior of U.S. Capitol

Trump Wanted To Cut Disability Programs. Congress Just Said No

After months of uncertainty, federal lawmakers approved a spending package that rejects Trump administration efforts to alter IDEA and do away with some disability programs.

February 5, 2026
Woman stands while helping two men seated by a table

States Sue Over Right Of People With Disabilities To Live In The Community

In a new twist in a long-running lawsuit, a coalition of states is challenging the right of people with disabilities to live and receive services in the community as opposed to institutions.

February 2, 2026
Agents in uniform stand in street

Children With Disabilities Particularly Vulnerable To Minneapolis ICE Crackdown

Already-anxious parents say their kids, who are U.S. citizens, are missing not just school but also therapy appointments to avoid encountering potentially hostile federal agents.

January 26, 2026

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U.S. Capitol

Congress Poised To Reject Trump Changes To Special Ed, Disability Programs

A budget agreement working its way through Congress rebuffs Trump administration efforts to make major changes to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and eliminate some disability programs.

January 23, 2026
Boy rolls wheelchair on sidewalk

Disability Rights Lawyers Threatened With Budget Cuts, Reassignments

The Trump administration wants deep cuts for state-based legal services for people with disabilities, as advocates say the Justice Department pushed out many of its lawyers who worked on such issues.

January 20, 2026

After Her Son With A Disability Was Expelled From Day Care, A Mom Pushed For Reform

When Stacey Plantt filed a federal complaint against her son's day care claiming he was unjustly expelled, she wanted not only compensation for her family but also significant change.

January 6, 2026

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Man sits at table while looking ahead

Medicaid Changes Could Limit Access For People With Disabilities, Advocates Warn

As federal officials begin to outline more stringent Medicaid eligibility rules, worries are running high about what the changes will mean for people with disabilities.

January 5, 2026
Woman at podium

White House Says ASL Interpreters ‘Intrude’ On Trump’s Ability To Control His Image

The administration is pushing back on a lawsuit seeking to ensure that interpreters are included at White House events by suggesting that the accommodation is incompatible with the president's image.

December 19, 2025
U.S. currency

New Year Brings Big Changes For ABLE Accounts

Access to accounts that allow individuals with disabilities to save without losing government benefits will expand dramatically and people with the accounts will be able to save more than ever before.

December 18, 2025

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