Story perspectives

Tennessee Rehab Center Closes Amid Federal Shutdown Concerns

10/18/2025

Center

Tennessee Center Closure

The Tennessee Rehabilitation Center in Smyrna will close temporarily starting October 20 due to the federal government shutdown.
During the closure, the center will offer virtual learning for adults with disabilities.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is delaying education payments for dependents of disabled veterans because of computer issues and the shutdown.
Parents of children with disabilities say oversight from the Education Department has declined during the shutdown.

Right

McMahon Questions Education

Education Secretary Linda McMahon says the ongoing federal government shutdown highlights the unnecessary nature of the Education Department.
She says schools operate normally, with no impact on funding, including for special education.
McMahon says the shutdown offers a chance to reevaluate federal responsibilities and aligns with President Donald Trump’s goal to dismantle the department.
Trump previously stated that essential functions would be preserved but shifted to other agencies.
Families affected by the shutdown fear reduced oversight and support for students with disabilities.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. federal government shutdown, lasting from October 1 to October 17, resulted from a budget impasse over the Affordable Care Act, leading to the furlough of approximately 800,000 federal employees. This shutdown disrupted services, including education payments for disabled veterans' dependents, and echoes ongoing debates about federal education oversight, highlighting the challenges faced by families with students with disabilities.

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Tennessee Center Closure

The Tennessee Rehabilitation Center in Smyrna will close temporarily starting October 20 due to the federal government shutdown.
During the closure, the center will offer virtual learning for adults with disabilities.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is delaying education payments for dependents of disabled veterans because of computer issues and the shutdown.
Parents of children with disabilities say oversight from the Education Department has declined during the shutdown.

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