U.S. Reps. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) on Feb. 8 announced the introduction of the Supporting Children with Disabilities During COVID-19 Act, which would ensure schools and educators have the resources they need to support children with disabilities and continue compliance with federal disability education laws, despite the challenges caused by the pandemic.

This legislation would provide critical funding to assist schools in their mission to fully support students with disabilities with individualized services that are tailored to meet the needs of each student and uphold their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches into its 11th month, far too many students with disabilities have fallen behind. These students have always been among the most vulnerable in our educational system, but this year has posed even greater barriers to their success,” Schiff said. “We must ensure that schools have the resources they need to support students with disabilities and continue to provide them with the high-quality education they deserve.”

“This pandemic has caused substantial challenges in all of our lives, and children with disabilities have been faced with significant learning challenges as a result,” Bernice Johnson said. “We must ensure that our educational systems have the financial resources they need to support our special education programs, educators and parents. It is for these children that I am proud to introduce the Supporting Children with Disabilities During COVID-19 Act with my colleagues. These students should receive the same quality education as their peers during this ongoing public health crisis.”

The Supporting Children with Disabilities During COVID-19 Act will provide $11 billion for state grants under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, $1.2 billion for early childhood education programs and $55 million under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998.

Schiff and Bernice Johnson first introduced legislation to support children last year. Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

“The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act cemented a basic right into law: that all students – no matter their disability – receive the support and resources they deserve. But for too long, we have failed to live up that promise. That’s never been more true than during this pandemic, as millions of students with disabilities have faced unique challenges during remote learning and will need additional support to get back on track as schools reopen,” Murphy said.