How Federal Developmental Disabilities Programs Are Working

GAO was requested to make a comprehensive examination of the overall administration and operation of four developmental disability programs: (1) State Formula Grant, (2) State Protection and Advocacy, (3) Special Projects, and (4) University-Affiliated Facilities. These programs were designed to improve and coordinate services to the developmentally disabled and to protect their rights. The 2 million developmentally disabled have disabilities originating before the age of 18 which constitute a substantial handicap to their ability to function normally in society and are expected to continue indefinitely. Mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and severe dyslexia are the conditions generally accepted as constituting a developmental disability.