We envision an education system where every student thrives in a learning-friendly environment where they feel safe, supported, and challenged. The following legislative priorities will help to ensure access and equity:
Safe from Harm and Hate
Schools must uphold the civil rights of students with disabilities under state and federal law and ensure they are safe from physical and emotional harm while at school (See: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)).
Some ways to do this include:
- Upholding federal education protections, especially IDEA, ensuring students with disabilities have access to required services and supports despite federal changes.
- Ending the practice of isolation and significantly reducing restraint in Washington, practices that disproportionately harm students with disabilities and students of color, causing trauma and undermining safety for both students and staff. Supporting ongoing funding for the pilot project, Reducing Restraint and Eliminating Isolation (RREI).
- Building capacity in schools to end harmful practices and educating staff about ableism, racism, and how to create positive, inclusive school cultures.
Included in Classrooms and Communities
We must ensure all students have equitable access to their learning and feel included, welcomed, and like they belong at school.
Some ways to do this include:
- Sustaining the work of the Inclusionary Practices Technical Network (IPTN) and providing widespread professional development and training around inclusionary practices in every classroom.
- Ensuring all classes required for graduation are accessible to all students.
- Ensuring access and inclusion to diverse learning and enrichment opportunities at school, especially those that foster meaningful social-emotional learning, independence, and relationship-building.
- Providing ample mental health support so that young people are supported, cared for, and set up well for life after school.
Equitably Resourced and Funded
We cannot let special education in Washington remain deeply underfunded and inequitable across the state.
Some ways to do this include:
- Increasing investments in special education, including increasing the number of special education teachers, so that all students have opportunities to build trusting relationships and get the type of learning and instruction they need.
- Supporting districts in providing special education services that are equitable, student-centered, and fully responsive to the needs of young people.
Valued, Respected, and Listened To
Schools must be held accountable to students and their families as they advocate for themselves, their needs, and for the special education system more broadly.
Some ways to do this include:
- Providing high-quality training and professional development that enables all students, particularly those in self-contained classrooms, to take ownership of their learning and develop greater autonomy at school.
- Holding schools accountable to students and families by ensuring the quality of accommodations and services stated in Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans, which are pillars of access and inclusion for students with disabilities.
2026 Legislative Platform (PDF)
Comparison of Special Education Funding Proposals in the 2025 Legislative Session (PDF)
2024 Supplemental Budget Special Education Highlights (PDF)
2023-2025 Operating Budget Special Education Highlights (PDF)
Issue Brief – What is the Special Education Funding Cap? (PDF)
2025 Legislative Platform (PDF)
2024 Legislative Platform (PDF)
2023 Legislative Platform (PDF)