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Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special EducationAuthor: Understood.org, Julian Saavedra
Navigating the education system can be overwhelming for families whose children have ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning and thinking differences. Opportunity Gap is a podcast that sheds light on the real challenges families face when trying to get the right support for their kids. On this show, we explore how identity, race, disability, and access to resources can make the education journey more challenging and what parents can do about it. Join host Julian Saavedra, an assistant principal and father of two, as he shares real stories, expert insights, and practical strategies to help you advocate for your child. Language: en Genres: Education for Kids, Kids & Family, Parenting Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Is special education in crisis? Federal layoffs explained
Episode 87
Tuesday, 18 November, 2025
We know the headlines around special education these days are hard to take in.Federal layoffs in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) could affect oversight of $15 billion in IDEA funding, putting some services your child may be receiving at risk. In this episode, former OSEP chief of staff Meghan Whittaker joins host Julian and journalist Ray Jacobson from the Hyperfocus podcast to explain what this means for schools, IEPs, and families. Learn how funding, vouchers, and state control could impact your child — and what parents can do to protect their rights.For more on this topic:What the special education layoffs mean for your child’s IEP and school servicesWhat happens to my child’s IEP if the U.S. Department of Education closes?The R-word is back: How do you get people to care? Special education: Federal law vs. state lawTimestamps: (02:00) Federal layoffs at OSEP: What happened and why it matters(06:00) Understanding IDEA and federal oversight(11:00) Real-life impact on schools and students(18:00) Vouchers vs. public school funding: What families should know(26:00) States taking over: Risks and challenges(30:00) Equity concerns and how parents can advocateFor a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
