Lawmakers in Washington have approved a $1.1 trillion plan that offers a boost in spending for federal government programs that affect children and adults with disabilities. Funding to states under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) will increase by $415 million, a modest increase when spread across 50 states.
Advocates welcome the increase after years of cutbacks or flat funding. The plan also calls for an additional $16 million for housing for people with disabilities, increases at Social Security to improve its administrative services, increases in respite care initiatives, and to other programs.
