Welcome to the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)

The acronym “OSERS” stands for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. OSERS is a component of the U.S. Department of Education, and its mission is to improve educational and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. It works to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunities, access to high-quality education, and the support they need to lead independent lives.

OSERS is responsible for administering and overseeing programs and initiatives related to special education and rehabilitation services. This includes implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures that students with disabilities receive appropriate educational services, and overseeing the Rehabilitation Act, which supports vocational rehabilitation services and independent living programs for individuals with disabilities.