The proposed federal budget for the U.S. Department of Education would cut funding for CVI education support by defunding IDEA Part D Technical Assistance and Dissemination and reallocating it to IDEA Part B as block grants to states. Several national technical assistance programs are funded through IDEA Part D, for example, Described and Captioned Media and State Deafblind Projects.
While federal requirements under the IDEA, Section 504, and ADA to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) and equal access to effective communication for individuals with CVI have not changed, the federal support for states and districts to help them comply with these laws is at risk. With the recent Supreme Court ruling A.J.T. vs. Osseo Area Schools, districts could be held financially liable if they fail to provide access to education for individuals with CVI without the resources to provide technical assistance for people with these low-incidence disabilities.
Impact of the education funding cuts on students with CVI and the Deafblind community
Eliminates IDEA Part D programs
Ending national coordination and technical assistance for programs that support rare disabilities (e.g., Described and Captioned Media, National Center on Deafblindness, Deafblind projects, personnel/intervener training)
Cuts five other vital education programs
- Educational Technology & Media ($31.4M) – Removing access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools, assistive technology, and other software that aids people with CVI.
- Parent Information Centers ($33.2M) – Losing critical guidance for families as they navigate CVI diagnosis and IEPs.
- State Personnel Development ($38.6M) – Leading to no statewide educator training in CVI or low-incidence needs.
- Preschool Special Education (~$420M) – Endangering early intervention for children ages 3–5 with CVI.
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers – Disrupting after-school and summer services that support inclusion.
Why do budget cuts matter to children with CVI and their education?
- CVI is the leading cause of childhood visual impairment in the U.S.—most remain undiagnosed.
- Many children with CVI have additional disabilities and require expert-trained educators, accessible technology, and early screening.
- Federal programs provide consistency across states; most cannot support CVI on their own.
What can you do to help protect education support for students with CVI?
- Find your U.S. representatives.
- Contact them to oppose the elimination of IDEA Part D and other targeted supports. Here is a template from the Council for Exceptional Children to guide you.
- Share this alert widely with families, advocacy groups, and educators.
Final takeaway
This is not simply budget reshuffling—it’s the dismantling of vital supports for a growing population of children with CVI and Deafblindness. These children will fall through the cracks without federal leadership.