Special Education News and Noteworthy | June 13, 2026 | Access, Advocacy & Special Education Serv...

This week, Paige and Kate discuss five important stories highlighting the challenges families face when trying to access special education services and supports. In this episode, we discuss: • A new study finding that wealthier students are significantly more likely to receive Section 504 accommodations than their lower-income peers (https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2026/...) • Concerns about restraint practices and student safety at a specialized Colorado school serving students with significant behavioral and disability-related needs (https://www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/20...) • West Virginia lawmakers examining special education funding across public schools, charter schools, private schools, and homeschool settings (https://wvmetronews.com/2026/06/04/ho...) • New York City's efforts to expand autism programs while addressing long waitlists and transportation concerns (https://www.qchron.com/editions/queen...) • Why disability advocates worry students who rely on assistive technology could be impacted by growing efforts to limit screens in schools (https://www.npr.org/2026/06/04/nx-s1-...) Throughout the episode, we explore a common theme connecting each story: the difference between having services available and being able to access them. From evaluations and accommodations to specialized programs and assistive technology, access remains one of the most important—and often overlooked—issues in special education. 📬 This week's newsletter (https://special-education-news-notewo...) also includes our Special Education Insight: Access Doesn't Always Equal Availability 🎧 Follow the podcast on Spotify so you never miss an episode and help us reach more families, educators, and advocates working to create more inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities. #SpecialEducation #IEP #504Plan #DisabilityAdvocacy #InclusiveEducation #Autism #AssistiveTechnology #SpecialNeedsParenting #StudentRights #EducationNews