schools
New federal disability policies spark fears of institutionalization
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 1, 2026
· 6 min read
For decades, disabled people have fought for their rights to go to school and live alongside peers without disabilities rights that some fear could be losing ground under the Trump administration.Last month, the Education Department announced it would offload oversight of special education to th...
Key takeaway Marty Makary tells Scripps News 'I don't think autism is genetic'Taken together, the actions signal a worrying return to a reality where people with disabilities are pushed to the margins of society, advocates said.
Why this matters in The Waco
In Waco , where schools have made strides in inclusive education, the potential shift towards institutionalization is particularly concerning. Local families who have fought for their children's right to learn alongside peers without disabilities may see their progress undone. The Waco Independent School District has implemented programs to support students with disabilities, and a reversal of federal policies could impact the district's ability to provide these services. Furthermore, the city's efforts to promote community integration and accessibility could be undermined by a return to the medical model of disability. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is crucial that local leaders prioritize the rights and needs of residents with disabilities, ensuring that they have equal access to education, employment, and community resources. The potential consequences of these federal policy changes will be closely watched by local advocates and families, who will be looking to city officials to safeguard the rights of people with disabilities.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? For decades, disabled people have fought for their rights to go to school and live alongside peers without disabilities rights that some fear could be losing ground under the Trump administration.Last month, the Education Department announced it would offload oversight of special education to th...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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