Federal Funding for Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Children with special needs often require assistive services to accommodate present disabilities. These services vary depending on the needed accommodations as well as the severity and duration of the disability. The federal government provides monetary assistance for some of these services to alleviate the financial burden of both institutions and families. The purpose of the funding is to increase access to services that eliminate discrimination against individuals with disabilities and to provide equal opportunity to such individuals. Federal funding can be received in a variety of areas, including educational services, supplemental income, and health care cost alleviation. This entry discusses the legislation behind each area of federal funding as well as the requirements for, and restrictions to, these benefits.