What the Dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education Could Mean for Colorado’s Most Vulnerable Kids

When Systems Break Down, Children Pay the Price

In recent weeks, discussions around the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education have gone from political talking points to a painful reality. With massive layoffs already underway, including deep cuts to the Office for Civil Rights, families across Colorado—especially those with children who have disabilities—are bracing for impact.

What’s happening isn’t just bureaucratic reshuffling. It’s a stripping away of the safeguards and support systems that countless students rely on every day.

Colorado Parents Are Already Feeling the Strain

Imagine navigating school systems for a child with autism spectrum disorder—working tirelessly to advocate for services, therapies, and accommodations—only to find that the very agency responsible for protecting your child’s rights is being gutted.

That’s what parents like Sarah Collins, who lives on the Ute Mountain Ute reservation, are facing. Her son depends on special education teachers and a web of therapies to function and thrive in school. With these federal protections unraveling, she fears that web is beginning to tear.

“I would like for him to have professionals around him that know how to regulate him,” she said. “It’s going to affect a lot of the parents’ lives and livelihoods of having to accommodate what’s going to be missing in their child’s educational services.”

The Ripple Effect: Fewer Investigations, Fewer Protections

Here in Colorado, more than 200 civil rights investigations were already pending before the latest cuts. Now, with the Denver regional office expected to absorb cases from 13 states instead of just five, those investigations—and the families behind them—may be left in limbo.

From discrimination claims to shortened school days for children with disabilities, these cases aren’t just paperwork. They’re lifelines. They lead to real changes: revised policies, stronger protections, and better outcomes for students.

Without the capacity to investigate or provide guidance, the Office for Civil Rights can no longer fulfill its critical role. Families lose a vital source of accountability. Schools lose essential support and direction. And children lose opportunities to access the education they’re entitled to.

Why Federal Oversight Still Matters—Especially for Kids With Disabilities

There’s a growing argument that education should be returned to the states. In theory, it sounds empowering. But in practice, it requires infrastructure and planning that simply aren’t there yet. States are not equipped to absorb thousands of civil rights investigations or provide equivalent guidance and enforcement.

The most vulnerable students—those with autism, ADHD, physical disabilities, or learning differences—are often the first to be overlooked when systems are overwhelmed. Without strong federal oversight, we risk sliding backward on hard-won progress.

Supporting Our Kids Starts With Standing By Them

Here at New Dawn ABA, we understand what’s at stake. We work every day with families who are navigating the complexities of autism, education, and access to resources. The current uncertainty only adds to the emotional and logistical burden many families already carry.

That’s why we remain committed to providing personalized, effective autism support in Colorado. Whether your child needs help with communication, behavioral challenges, or social-emotional skills, we’re here with a team that listens, cares, and responds to your child’s unique needs.

When the System Stumbles, We Step In

This moment is a reminder that while national policies shape our landscape, local action shapes lives. Our mission is to make sure children with autism receive the quality care, guidance, and respect they deserve—regardless of changes at the federal level.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your family with compassionate and reliable autism care that puts your child’s future first.