Zero Reject: The Uncertain Future of Special Education
Getting your child the support they need at school shouldn’t feel like a fight. But for millions of families, it does. In Zero Reject, an investigative podcast from Understood.org, award-winning journalist Anya Kamenetz looks at how changing federal policies are reshaping special education — and what’s at stake for families trying to access the support their children are legally entitled to.
Latest episodes
September 10, 2026 ·
Introducing “Zero Reject: The Uncertain Future of Special Education”
The Zero Reject podcast investigates the crisis in special education — from shifting federal policy to families fighting for their kids’ legal rights.
September 29, 2026 ·
Reduction in force | 1
When the office protecting disabled students’ civil rights was gutted, one attorney watched a lifeline for families disappear overnight.
September 29, 2026 ·
25,000 complaints, and 7 minutes | 2
Her son could only read four words at age 7. Her federal special ed complaint is one of 25,000 stuck with no answer. Zero Reject investigates.
October 6, 2026 ·
The dumping ground | 3
Before 1975, kids with disabilities had no legal right to attend public school. Zero Reject traces that history, and examines what’s at risk today.
October 13, 2026 ·
The chimichanga solution | 4
A mom fought for years to get her son the right dyslexia support. Now she’s suing his school district to pay for the help he needs.
October 20, 2026 ·
Waterline | 5
An education researcher dug into 50 years of special ed data after her daughter’s diagnosis. Now she’s asking: What if special ed weren’t so special?
October 27, 2026 ·
Keeping the lights on | 6
In the Zero Reject finale, a former Education Department staffer, a district special educator, and a parent share what it takes to improve special ed.
Host
Anya Kamenetz
is an award-winning journalist and author who has spent much of her career covering education, including as an education correspondent for NPR.