As proposed federal changes stir confusion and anxiety, many parents of children with mitochondrial disease are left wondering what’s next for special education in America. In this urgent and illuminating episode, Marcy Young sits down with Kuna Tavalin, Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor at the Council for Exceptional Children, to break down what’s actually happening at the U.S. Department of Education—and what’s not.
Kuna explains what the Department of Education is responsible for, what it doesn’t control, and why recent executive orders have sparked panic across the disability community. She offers clear guidance for families navigating IEPs and 504 plans, demystifies enforcement and funding structures, and shares practical ways to advocate for your child right now. With warmth, honesty, and deep policy knowledge, Kuna brings clarity to a complex moment—and reminds us that informed advocacy starts with understanding your rights.
Resources and Ways to Connect
Learn more from the Council for Exceptional Children:
Learn more about MitoAction:
As we kick off a new year, Marcy sits down with Kira Mann and Stephanie Harry to explore the many ways MitoAction supports the...
Meet the team at Rare Patient Voice and learn how to make your voice heard!
ENERGY IN ACTION - EPISODE 085 Fighting Chronic Pain with the Neubie Garrett Salpeter is the Founder of NeuFit, which developed the product Neubie,...