‘How much more am I going to have to advocate?’: Federal cuts threaten Oregon programs for deaf-blind students
Jillian Fortner
(update: adding video, adding comments from Redmond mother, CODSN)
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Some Oregon families are concerned after learning programs supporting children with disabilities are losing federal funding.
“What’s next? How much more am I going to have to advocate?” said Redmond mother, Nicole Pierce.
Pierce is concerned about what this means for her 12-year-old daughter, Natalie.
Natalie Pierce is considered deaf and blind, with partial sight in her right eye. Redmond High School students and staff may recognize her since she was their sparrow back in 2023-24.
She has a rare genetic syndrome called CHARGE. Only 1 in 10,000 babies are born with this condition.
Despite the challenges of her condition, Natalie remains resilient.
“Everybody is always astounded when they get to meet her and see just how far she’s come in life,” said Pierce.
Based on her diagnosis, Natalie qualifies for a lot of services in Oregon. One of those is the Oregon DeafBlind Project, which serves a little over 100 students statewide.
Pierce notes that since few children in the state have similar needs, the DeafBlind Project plays a crucial role in connecting families and providing essential support.
Last week, the Oregon DeafBlind Project received notice that its federal grant funding would be eliminated.
At the same time, the Central Oregon Disability Support Network (CODSN) is also losing its federal parent resource grant. The organization supports over 4,000 families across eight rural counties.
The organization says they’re losing about 150,000 dollars, and Hansen says the loss would hit rural families the hardest.
“Services in in central Oregon are already limited,” Nicole Pierce said. “It’s going to be more isolating.”
CODSN provides parents with training, advocacy, and tools to navigate special education.
“Quite frankly, we aren’t going to be able to provide the support that we’ve been providing,” said Dianna Hansen, Executive Director for the Central Oregon Disability Support Network.
The cuts come from the U.S. Department of Education’s decision not to renew certain IDEA Part D grants, citing language in applications that referenced diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Many applications for federal funding received approval during President Joe Biden’s administration, which often included requirements related to equity to qualify for government funding.
According to the notice of non-continuation of the grant award, CODSN’s application contained information that conflicts with the Department’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in education.
“They’re using that information from 2021 that we were specifically asked to answer, against us. So that was shocking,” said Hansen.
The Department of Education has not responded to KTVZ’s request for comment.
CODSN has filed an appeal with the Department of Education.
Some Oregon lawmakers are showing their support. Rep. Bynum, Sen. Merkley, and Sen. Wyden wrote a joint letter urging the department to restore funding.