Roles for Texas physicians in the implementation of Education of Handicapped Act Amendments

As a result of Public Law 99-457, there are increasing state efforts to provide special education services to handicapped students ages 3 and older, and to develop early intervention for those from birth to age 3 years. Physicians can make significant contributions to these efforts. This paper presents information about PL99-457 and discusses the potential roles for Texas physicians in the implementation of the law and in meeting the needs of developmentally at-risk infants, young children, and their families. Roles are described in the areas of clinical care, research, graduate and continuing education, and policy development.