P.L. 99-457

Abstract

In 1986, Congress amended the Education of the Handicapped Act (Public Law [P.L.] 94-142) and authorized an early intervention program under that act for disabled infants and toddlers and their families. This legislation, P.L. 99-457, Part H, changed the kinds of services that infants and toddlers with disabilities—or those at risk—and their families would receive. The authors report the findings from a survey that examined the extent to which master of social work programs prepare students to work with this population. Based on the survey findings, they suggest that, for social workers to respond effectively to the mandates of P.L. 99-457, Part H, graduate social work programs must address personnel preparation issues, such as the gaps in content on this population in both the core and elective curricula; specialization with this population, lack of student interest; curriculum flexibility, and training monies; and need for additional training materials.