Education is vital to the empowerment and independence of the neuromuscular community. Students with neuromuscular conditions may experience additional challenges, like muscle weakness or fatigue, and can require accommodations to fully participate in school. Most children with neuromuscular diseases – supported through proper accommodations – pursue higher education and careers. MDA strongly believes:

• Students with neuromuscular conditions  belong alongside their fellow peers
• Students with disabilities have a right to a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, protected by due process
• In a well-resourced public education system
• In strong enforcement of civil rights
   

Our Education Policy Principles
IDEA and Section 504 - MDA advocates for strong enforcement and funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which guarantee students with disabilities access to appropriate accommodations, individualized supports, and inclusive education plans. We work to ensure that families have the resources they need to navigate these systems.

Civil Rights - MDA opposes cuts to the Department of Education, including within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which threatens to worsen an already-deep backlog of civil rights investigations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The OCR ensures access and opportunity for all students. Through oversight and technical assistance, the OCR ensures millions of students have access to general curriculum in the classroom with their peers and are held to high. achievement standards. Data from the OCR is critical to ensure transparency on the status and needs of students with disabilities.

Federal funding – Adequate federal funding ensures schools can obtain the staff needed to support students with IEPs and under Section 504 plans. Federal guidance is needed to ensure funding intended for students with disabilities is not diverted to other education priorities. The Department of Education is the only agency with the authority to enforce the IDEA and with expertise on the education of students with disabilities.

Classroom support   - Access to specialized support services, such as physical and occupational therapy, assistive technology, and more help students participate in the IDEA-mandated least-restrictive environment (LRE).  

Recent Actions

• MDA Comments in Support of the IDEA Full Funding Act (4.11.2025)
• Coalition Comments on Introduction of IDEA Full Funding Act (4.24.2025)
• MDA Advocacy Institute: Education Policy & Advocacy Strengthening Access for the Neuromuscular Community
• Coalition Comments to House and Senate Education Appropriations Leaders on Technical Assistance Centers (5.20.2025)

Get Involved

• Take action on our campaign to urge Congress to support and pass the IDEA Full Funding Act  (S.1277/ H.R.2598).
• Share your story about your educational experiences to help support our work with Capitol Hill and with Federal agencies.
• When MDA Advocacy shares new opportunities to support policies that strengthen educational access and disability rights, join us!