On Friday, October 10, hundreds of employees under the U.S. Department of Education were laid off. Specifically, programs that enforce the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other civil rights were impacted. One number reported was the firing of 466 Department employees; almost all employees of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) were let go, leaving only a few head staff members. Included in the firings were staff of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). RSA oversees state vocational rehabilitation services (VR). As regular consumers of VR services, the blind and low vision community is nervous to see the impact of such firings.
ACB is investigating and collaborating with other disability advocates to determine next steps. Advocates have already begun to draft sign-on letters to the government to explain the detrimental effects of such changes. The blind community also plans to come together in the coming days to plan next steps. Please keep a look out for future instructions on steps you can take to advocate for these vital services at risk.
We are also hearing about similar firings at other federal agencies. We will follow this closely and share what we know.
Posted on October 14, 2025