Your Advocacy Toolbox: Protecting Your Voice When Federal Systems Are Uncertain

by Aleasa Word, FAACT Vice President of Inclusion Initiatives

August 2025

The 2025-2026 school year is upon us. And let’s be honest, the world of education is a lot different than what it was less than a year ago. With all the political changes that are happening—especially as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies—many parents have justifiable concerns. People are left wondering how to protect their children with life-threatening allergies in a system that had inconsistent policies prior to the gutting of policies meant to level the playing field in schools.

Let's take a minute to discuss what happened and how we can move forward. Earlier this year, the federal government made significant changes in the way the Department of Education will operate. Numerous offices dedicated to providing diverse, equitable, and inclusive programming were eliminated. Government cuts to these offices equate to fewer employees to respond to complaints, plus the potential for fewer regulations guiding inclusive practices and the possibility for less federal accountability overall. The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, which investigates issues like disability discrimination (including food allergies), lost almost half its staff, and some regional offices closed completely.

How does this impact our community? That remains to be seen once school is back in swing. With reductions in staffing, it stands to reason there are fewer people to hear complaints should they arise. This could mean anything from no action being taken due to backloads and new guidelines, or action may move at a snail’s pace. The good news, however, is that local activism still matters. It’s time to dig in our heels, learn the rules, and talk to the players to make a difference in our communities.

Here's how to build your 2025-2026 advocacy toolbox:

Start local: Get to know the key decision makers in your child’s school. Plan to negotiate directly with them and meet with teachers, nurses, administrators, or the principal BEFORE classes start. At a minimum, start sending those emails NOW!
Put your 504 Accommodation request in writing: My motto is, if it’s not in writing, it didn’t happen. Your 504 Accommodations are still enforceable unless something changes, even if it takes the reduced Department of Education staff longer to help you.
Find the plan: Ask to see the school’s safety plan and if they don’t have one, feel free to download resources from FAACT that can help you get the blueprint in place.
Know your state laws: A simple online search for school accommodations under ADA (the Americans with Disabilities Act) for your state should help you find this information.
Schedule an awareness session: Ask the school to allow you to give them a quick food allergy awareness session using documented information like FAACT’ Fist to Thigh Video or the Anaphylaxis Signs & Symptoms Fact Sheet.
Create a parent support group: If you know other families that are impacted by food allergies, connect with them. There is strength in numbers to get things done.
Know where to go: If you don’t get the cooperation you need at school, FAACT has an online Civil Rights Resource Center, and you can always reach out to your state’s protection and advocacy organizations.
Use your constituent voice: Contact your legislators and get others to do the same to make them aware of the issues at hand.
Document everything: Take action in writing and keep track of all of your correspondence and follow-ups. Keep extra copies of doctor letters and anaphylaxis action plans, and keep prescriptions up to date.

This is not an easy time for anyone. It’s ok to feel concerned, but there is no need to feel defeated. Caregivers and parents have always been a powerful voice in making change to create equitable and inclusive spaces for kids with food allergies, and we all can continue to do so.