TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - It’s been two weeks since the beginning of the government shutdown, and nearly 500 Department of Education employees are going to be laid off on Dec. 9.

It is part of President Donald Trump’s “reduction-in-force” or RIF to cut down costs.

The firings include employees from the special education oversight office, which ensures states provide services to children with disabilities as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

While the impact of the layoffs has not been immediately felt in Tucson, it could have greater consequences in the future.

13 News spoke to Nora Corral, a mother of two children with special needs.

Her son in 11th grade has autism, while her third-grade son has a developmental delay. Both of them attend schools within

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