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We all want to raise our children in a nation that values their education and provides for every child’s unique needs. Programs like Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and 504 plans are vital in achieving these goals by supporting students with special needs and enabling them to thrive.

An IEP is a written plan that outlines the educational needs of a child with a disability in public school. Ensuring that every child can receive specialized instruction and support services to succeed. The U.S. Department of Education provides federal funding and oversight to these programs to ensure every child has the federal right to an education regardless of which school or district they attend.

Our son Jackson is 5 years old, autistic non-verbal and struggles in most academic and social environments. But don’t let that fool you, Jackson shows a desire to learn, play with his peers, and tries again after failure.

He loves waffles, jumping on the trampoline, and playing with his sister Charlie. Thanks to Jackson’s IEP, we worry less about his future because it empowers him to grow and communicate his needs to those around him.

But our story isn’t unique, families across the country depend on these programs to ensure our kids receive the tailored services they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Yet today, these programs and Jackson’s future face significant threats.

President-elect Trump’s proposal to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education halts federal oversight and shifts implementation of these programs to the states. Should he be successful, the rights and futures of 8 million students with disabilities would be in.

Possibly leaving Jackson and our most vulnerable children without the critical resources they need to grow, including access to speech, occupational, and physical therapies. Leading to increased behavioral issues, lower academic achievement, and reduced progress in social, emotional, and functional skills.

Moreover, without oversight and enforcement by the U.S. Department of Education, special education would vary greatly from state to state. Wealthier districts might sustain or even improve their programs, but underfunded areas would likely see severe cuts.

This would lead to increased inequality, where a child’s access to quality education depends solely on their zip code. Families could also face heightened financial and emotional burdens should some states choose to gut these programs.

Parents could be forced to seek and pay for private therapy and specialized instruction. This would disproportionately affect low-income families, effectively denying their children a fair chance at educational success and placing significant strain on their well-being.

But we aren’t sitting on the sidelines. Parents from coast to coast are standing up to protect our kids’ IEPs and 504 plans by calling on President-elect Trump to reverse his position to the U.S. Department of Education.

We must come together to ensure that all children, regardless of their circumstances, receive the education and support they deserve. Our children’s future depends on it.