Researchers describe how federal funding supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities nationwide
Editor's note: The introduction below is a part of the full article with maps and graphics available on our website. The information is also available as a printable infographic (PDF)
Twenty-five years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Olmstead v. L.C. found the unjustified segregation of people with disabilities violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. The decision ultimately influenced the amount and distribution of federal funds to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which now totals $80.6 billion.
In recognition of the anniversary of the 1999 decision, which was celebrated June 20 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, University of Kansas researchers shared information about how federal funds are distributed to each state to help individuals, families and caretakers.
The figures are a part of the work conducted by the State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Ongoing Longitudinal Data Project of National Significance. The project, now based at the KU Life Span Institute, has tracked federal spending in this area for more than 40 years and provides governments and the public with state-by-state data and comparisons.