Equitable Access to Special Education: Addressing Disparities in Underrepresented Communities

In a nation that has long professed its dedication to equality and inclusivity, one area where disparities persist is in the field of special education. While the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was enacted over four decades ago to ensure all students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education, significant gaps in access and quality of special education services persist, particularly in underrepresented communities.