Federal legislation, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504, and the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, mandates that individuals with disabilities be integrated in all aspects of life from education to employment to independent living. A recent development involves a settlement reached between the United States and the…

When the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was reauthorized in 2004, it included provisions to reduce administrative and paperwork requirements to address concerns about burden. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to review federal efforts to reduce burden related to meeting IDEA requirements for educating…

This year is the 40th anniversary of the passage of Public Law 94-142--most commonly known as the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The law not only changed the way that students with disabilities are educated in this country, it also fundamentally changed the way that states fund their K-12 education programs. This ECS…

This publication provides an overview of the current federal opportunities to help states advance their data-related activities. Although not exhaustive, this list provides a starting point for federal policymakers to support states' work in this area.

The Part B-619 and Part C Programs under the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" (IDEA) provide preschool special education and early intervention services, respectively, to children with disabilities birth through age 5. Recent requirements in IDEA require states to monitor the implementation of these programs through a series…

In response to a request by Congressman Claude Pepper, the General Accounting Office (GAO) conducted a study to examine the private long-term care insurance market. The GAO analyzed the premiums, benefits, and limitations of 33 policies offered by 25 insurers in 1986. The GAO assessed the potential for abuse in this market by surveying state…

This document provides transcripts of witness testimony and prepared statements from the first of three Congressional hearings called to examine at the local level the administration of the social security disability review program. Following the opening statements of Senators John Heinz and Charles H. Percy, testimonies are presented from three…

This document provides transcripts of witness testimony and prepared statements from the second of three Congressional hearings called to examine at the local level the administration of the social security disability review program. Opening statements by Congressmen Martin J. Frost and J. J. Pickle, and Senator John Heinz are presented. Testimony…

This document provides transcripts of witness testimony and prepared statements from the third of three Congressional hearings called to examine at the local level the administration of the social security disability review program. Opening statements are presented from Representatives J. J. Pickle and Beryl Anthony, Jr., and Senator Daniel Pryor.…

This report covers the proceedings of a hearing on the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a bill to authorize grants for vocational rehabilitation services. A discussion of funding, state and federal responsibilities, grants, administration, evaluation, and the establishment of an Office for the Handicapped ensues. The bill calls for research, training,…

In a survey of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) complaint managers in 35 states, most respondents believed that neither educator nor parental awareness of the state complaint procedure had increased since its reinsertion into the 1992 IDEA regulations. A majority concluded that complaint procedures had reduced due-process…

This report reviews the development of independent service coordination for people with disabilities in Illinois and offers recommendations in support of free-standing and independent service coordination in the state. First the report defines independent service coordination, then it reviews the policy of the Illinois Planning Council on…

The Gun-Free Schools Act (GFSA) requires that each state or outlying area receiving federal funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) have a law that requires all local educational agencies (LEAs) in the state or outlying area to expel from school for at least one year any student found bringing a firearm to school. Their…

This document, which is intended to assist Colorado's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) staff, educators, students, and students' families, presents the answers to selected questions regarding eligibility for and delivery of cooperative educational and vocational rehabilitation services for youth in transition. The introduction provides…

Examines the degree to which states' political climates, resources, policies, and interagency services predict progress in the implementation of Part H of Public Law 99-457, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). (Author/BB)