DOJ Guidance on Special Education Transition Services Sparks Concern Among Advocates
New federal guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is raising concerns among advocates and researchers regarding its potential impact on special education transition services for students with disabilities. In June, the DOJ stated it would no longer rely on its previous 'Olmstead Guidance' in enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), declaring it 'not enforceable.' This move is seen as a significant shift from the 1999 Supreme Court ruling in Olmstead v. L.C., which mandated that states eliminate unnecessary segregation of people with disabilities and provide services in the 'most integrated setting appropriate.' For decades, the Olmstead ruling has underpinned individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities, requiring transition plans that teach independent living skills for those aged 16 and older. Critics, including three Democratic congressmen—Bobby Scott, Jamie Raskin, and Frank Pallone—have demanded the DOJ rescind the new guidance, calling it an 'insult... 
