APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy

The American Physical Therapy Association is sharing an update on the Department of Education’s use of an interagency agreement (IAA) to transfer some functions of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

For decades, OSERS two primary components: the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), have overseen federal programs, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), that provide early intervention to infants and toddlers with disabilities, ensure access to a free, appropriate public education for students with disabilities, and support transitions to work and community life. OSERS distributes federal special education funding, provides guidance to states and schools, supports personnel preparation, and funds research on effective instruction. Since its inception in 1975, IDEA has been housed under the Department of Education, but under the IAA, some IDEA-related functions may be administered within HHS, in the Administration on Disabilities (AoD), while others will remain at ED. This will have a direct impact on how programs are coordinated and overseen at the federal level.

Shifting OSERS could also disrupt essential partnerships with the OCR, which currently resolves thousands of disability-related complaints each year. Recent efforts to reduce OCR staffing have affected the Office’s ability to address complaints, underscoring the importance of consistent capacity and infrastructure for civil rights enforcement. Moving both OSERS and OCR out of the Department of Education risks fragmenting this already under-staffed system, disconnecting special education from general education policy, and weakening the collaborative and compliance structures that help all infants, toddlers, and children succeed.

While the IAAs will fundamentally change how IDEA and civil rights enforcement are coordinated at the federal level, there is still limited clarity on how these transfers will be implemented. Similar program transfers, such as the transfer of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education to the Department of Labor, have taken months to operationalize, suggesting that changes related to OSERS and OCR will likely occur gradually. Given the size and complexity of OSERS, we expect that implementation may involve phased changes to staffing, oversight, and intense coordination across agencies.

APTA will continue to monitor these developments and share updates as more information becomes available.

The deadline for Poster & Platform Abstract submissions is TODAY, June 22 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Don’t miss your chance to share your research and contribute to the future of pediatric physical therapy. Submit your abstract: https://s2.goeshow.com/pediatricapta/annual/2026/abstract_submission2.cfm

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Journal Club meeting in collaboration with the APTA Pediatrics Residents. Come ready to discuss articles about physical therapy career development and training.

June 25, 2026 | 7:30 PM ET

Attend and earn one CEU: https://learning.pediatricapta.org/products/employer-perceptions-of-physical-therapists-residency-and-fellowship-training-insights-for-career-development-planning-and-comparisons-of-clinical-competency-and-job-responsibilities-of-physical-therapists-with-and-without-postprofessional-training -product_tab_overview

Only one week left to submit your abstract for the 2026 Annual Conference!
The deadline for Poster & Platform Abstract submissions is June 22 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Don’t miss your chance to share your research and contribute to the future of pediatric physical therapy. Submit now: https://s2.goeshow.com/pediatricapta/annual/2026/abstract_submission2.cfm

APTA Pediatrics is proud to announce the opening of our 2026 Annual Conference registration. This year, we are hosting our flagship event at the gorgeous St. Louis Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, MO. Join us, November 13-15, 2026 for our annual conference where you earn CE credits, learn from experts, and connect with peers. Learn more and register today to receive the best rates by visiting our conference website: https://s2.goeshow.com/pediatricapta/annual/2026/index.cfm

There’s still time to submit your Poster or Platform Abstract for the 2026 APTA Pediatrics Annual Conference but the deadline is approaching.

Deadline: June 22, 11:59 p.m. ET
• Share original research or clinical insights
• Present in a poster session or platform presentation
• Contribute to advancing pediatric physical therapy

Don’t wait, submit your poster and platform abstracts today: https://s2.goeshow.com/pediatricapta/annual/2026/abstract_submission2.cfm

Last week the U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced a new $144 million investment to help states expand proven interventions that support students with disabilities. According to K-12 Dive, the funds will be distributed through formula grants to states and territories on July 1 and Oct. 1. About $123.6 million will go toward Part B grants, and $20.5 million to Part C grants.

Two Department of Education Grant Opportunities:

1. Expanding Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness of Special Education Teachers and Early Intervention Personnel through Registered Apprenticeships
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/18/2026-09897/notice-announcing-personnel-development-to-improve-services-and-results-for-children-with

2. Personnel Preparation of Special Education, Early Intervention, and Related Services Personnel Program
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/18/2026-09898/notice-announcing-personnel-development-to-improve-services-and-results-for-children-with

Please join us for a journal club meeting to review the article, Transforming Pediatric Physiotherapy: The Role of ChatGPT in Therapy, Limitations, and Ethical Considerations on May 28, 2026 at 7:30PM ET. One CEU will be awarded for participation. Register here: https://learning.pediatricapta.org/products/journal-club-transforming-pediatric-physiotherapy-the-role-of-chatgpt-in-therapy-limitations-and-ethical-considerations -product_tab_overview

Webinar Alert: Advocate for Students with Disabilities, May 20 | 6:00 PM EDT

Reminder to join APTA and the IDEA Implementation Coalition for an important webinar: “One Department, One System: Creating Consistency for All Learners”

Join us on for ONE DEPARTMENT, ONE SYSTEM: CREATING CONSISTENCY FOR ALL LEARNERS! Sponsored by the IDEA Implementation Coalition and Hosted by the Council of Administrators of Special Education.

Hear from expert panelists with up-to-date information about the U.S. Department of Education.

May 20, 2026
6:00-7:00 PM (ET)
Register: https://bit.ly/3R1XtIS

The submission portal for Poster & Platform Abstracts is open for the 2026 APTA Pediatrics Annual Conference!

We’re looking for original research and non-commercial content that advances pediatric clinical practice. Whether you’re presenting a poster or platform session, this is your opportunity to share your work with the profession.

New for 2026: Submissions are being accepted through the eShow platform. Start your submission today: https://s2.goeshow.com/pediatricapta/annual/2026/abstract_submission2.cfm