Services for infants and toddlers with disabilities: IDEA, Part H

In October 1986 P.L. 99-457, the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986, was enacted. Part H of this legislation obligates participating states to provide early intervention services to children with developmental disabilities from birth up to their third birthday. This act has since been renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. All states are now planning to implement this act through the development of multidisciplinary, comprehensive service delivery systems, and social workers in health care settings will play a critical role in the identification, referral, and case management of services for the affected population. This article describes the mandates of this legislation and defines the social worker's role.