Utah students with disabilities graduate at significantly lower rates than their peers, face higher suspension rates, and have unequal access to advocacy resources, according to a federal civil rights report with direct implications for families in Holladay and Cottonwood Heights.
The Utah Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights published its findings on April 20, examining whether K-12 students with disabilities in Utah public schools receive an equitable education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The statewide findings apply to students in Granite School District, which serves Olympus and Skyline high schools, and Canyons School District, which serves Brighton High School.
The committee found that gaps in implementation, underfunding, and staffing shortages produce persistent disparities. Children in special education lose more instructional time to suspensions, restraint, and seclusion. Special education teachers and paraeducators remain in short supply, with low wages and high turnover restricting individualized support.
The report also found that a family's ability to secure services depends heavily on resources. Parents who understand the IEP process and have time to advocate can often get appropriate services. Those without that knowledge face a much harder path, the committee found.
Federal oversight shift
The Trump administration announced in June 2026 that it would transfer management of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services from the U.S. Department of Education to the Department of Health and Human Services. The move raised questions about how the report's recommendations would be enforced.
Dozens of education and disability advocacy groups said the separation "weakens the coordination necessary to ensure students with disabilities are fully included in general education," according to Education Week reporting in June.
Congress allocated more than $15 billion for special education programs in February 2026. IDEA funding was distributed to states on July 1 as required by law.
State action
Utah's 2026 Legislature passed H.B. 143, requiring school districts to notify parents at least 30 days in advance if boundary changes affect the location of special education services. Lawmakers also passed S.B. 181, imposing new requirements on the use of seclusion rooms in schools, including audio and video recording.
Where families can get help
Granite School District families can contact Karly Chavez, the district's 504 coordinator and director of educational access and opportunity, at (385) 646-5000. Canyons School District families can reach ADA coordinator Dan Harper at (801) 826-5062.
The Utah Parent Center in Murray offers free one-on-one help with the IEP process, 504 meetings, and disability rights. Families can call (800) 468-1160. The Disability Law Center provides free legal advocacy for Utahns with disabilities.
The Utah State Board of Education's parent engagement contact for special education is Susie Estrada at (385) 295-7891.
Canyons School District's Board of Education holds regular business meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. at the district office, 9361 S. 300 E., Sandy, according to the district's posted schedule.
