We will now be known as the Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute, a University Center of Excellence. IHDI will need to conduct a needs assessment at the end of the current training grant, which may lead to possible additional monies. Recent Federal Court action was discussed. In Massachusetts, a U.S. District court ruled that the state was out of compliance for Medicaid because of their extensive waiting list for services. The state has been ordered to develop plans for rectifying the situation.
Legal action is underway in a range of states as nearby as Indiana.
Kentucky has signed on in support of ADA application to states. Many other states have chosen to remain neutral at this point. The Supreme Court will take the case on October 9, 2000. Jeanna Mullins presented an overview of the Transition State Improvement Grant, which addresses the process that students with disabilities must face in planning for transition. Project staff will implement a drop-out prevention plan and to train support persons within existing networks, such as parents, special education coops and regional consultants to have greater impact on local school districts.