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MDA Condemns Dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, Voices Risk of Harm to Students with Disabilities
Washington, D.C. – Thursday, March 13, 2025 – Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Education announcement Tuesday that it is cutting nearly 50% of its workforce, from Donald S. Wood, PhD, President and CEO, MDA:
“MDA strongly condemns the anticipated executive order and related administrative actions taken to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, including severe cuts in funding and staff. Among these cuts are deep reductions to the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), threatening to worsen an already-deep backlog on civil rights investigations.
Since its inception, the Department has played a critical role in ensuring equal educational opportunities for all children, including those with disabilities. It is vital that the Department has the staffing and resources necessary to accomplish its important work in safeguarding access to education – including implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), serving more than 8 million students, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), serving nearly 1.5 million students. These laws are critical to ensuring students with disabilities’ rights to a free and appropriate public education in the most integrated setting possible.
This action threatens access to education for children affected by neuromuscular diseases, who may need additional supports that, historically, many school districts failed to provide prior to direct guidance from the federal government. Without such oversight, public education funding intended for students with disabilities could be diverted to other education priorities. This could mean diverting funds away from supports children and young adults with neuromuscular diseases need, including those mandated by individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 education plans – supports like physical accommodations, assistive technology and equipment, mental health services, occupational therapy and physical therapy – that enable equal access.
MDA opposes actions to dismantle or defund the Department and voices deep concern about the impact of these actions on students with disabilities, including those living with neuromuscular conditions.”
Media contact press@mdausa.org.
About Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular conditions. For 75 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating support and inclusion of families living with neuromuscular disease. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org and follow MDA on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube
About Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 75th Anniversary
In 2025, the Muscular Dystrophy Association proudly marks 75 years legacy, impact and momentum in the fight against neuromuscular diseases. Since our founding, MDA has been at the forefront of research breakthroughs, providing access to comprehensive care, and championing the rights of people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular diseases. This milestone has been made possible by generations of dedicated support from people living with neuromuscular disease, their families, researchers, clinicians, volunteers, and donors—who boldly drive our mission forward. As we look ahead, we remain committed to honoring this legacy, building on the impact we’ve made together, and continuing our momentum toward transformative progress for people living with neuromuscular disorders.
