CHADD is closely monitoring recent announcements regarding new partnerships among the U.S. Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice involving the administration of special education, disability, civil rights, vocational rehabilitation, and student privacy programs.

Students with ADHD rely on protections provided through federal laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). These laws help ensure that students with disabilities have access to educational opportunities, appropriate supports, privacy protections, and safeguards against discrimination.

According to information released by the federal agencies, these administrative changes are not intended to alter students’ legal rights or the federal government’s responsibility to enforce existing laws.

CHADD recognizes that effective implementation matters. Families depend on clear pathways to services, timely resolution of concerns, meaningful enforcement of disability rights, and access to professionals with expertise in education, disability, student privacy, and civil rights. As these changes are implemented, students, families, educators, and schools must continue to receive the support, guidance, oversight, and technical assistance they need.

CHADD is monitoring these developments because special education, civil rights enforcement, student privacy, transition services, vocational rehabilitation, and employment supports are deeply interconnected. Students with ADHD and related disabilities benefit from coordinated systems that support them from early intervention and K-12 education through postsecondary education, workforce preparation, employment, and community life. Any administrative changes should preserve that continuum of support and avoid creating confusion, delays, fragmentation, or additional barriers for families seeking assistance.

Regardless of administrative structure, CHADD believes federal agencies must maintain strong leadership, accountability, and education-informed expertise in the implementation and enforcement of disability, civil rights, and student privacy laws. Students with disabilities deserve educational systems designed around their needs, rights, and opportunities.

CHADD will continue to monitor developments closely and advocate for policies and practices that promote educational access, protect disability rights, safeguard student privacy, and improve outcomes for individuals with ADHD across the lifespan.

CHADD remains committed to ensuring that children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD have access to evidence-based supports, appropriate educational services, and the opportunities to thrive at school, at work, and in their communities.