Developmental Disabilities Act of 1984

The Developmental Disabilities Act of 1984 was enacted on October 19, 1984, as Public Law 98-527. This act aims to revise and extend programs for persons with developmental disabilities. The law requires each State to have a plan submitted to and approved by the Secretary to receive funding under Part B, which provides federal assistance for planning and service activities for persons with developmental disabilities. The plan must include provisions for habilitation plans, state planning councils, state allotments, payments to States, withholding of payments, non-duplication, appeals by States, authorization of appropriations, protection and advocacy of individual rights, university affiliated facilities, special project grants, and a study on intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded. The law also establishes standards for university affiliated facilities, requires states to provide assurances that funds will be used to supplement and increase existing services, and ensures the protection of human rights for persons with developmental disabilities.