History of Developmental Disabilities Supports Division

Historical Facts about DDSD:
History of: Developmental Disabilities Supports Division

The following is an overview of the history of accomplishments and transitions for the Developmental Disabilities Supports Division.

1984

The initial federal authorization for in-home and community-based services was contained in Section 2176 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, Section 1915 © of the Social Security Act (42U.S.C. Section 1396 n ©), granting the Federal Health and Human Services Department authority to allow states to furnish home and community based Medicaid waivers. This statute authorized the waiver to serve a targeted population (Disabled and Elderly), Senate Bill 123, chapter 323, 1983 Laws of New Mexico.
In 1984, two additional waivers were proposed, approved and implemented using funds appropriated by Chapter 91, 1984 New Mexico Laws (House Bill 186). The two waivers serve New Mexicans who are medically fragile and who have developmental disabilities.
The Developmental Disabilities (DD) Community Services Act was passed. This Act gave priority to community services requiring the development of a State Developmental Disabilities (DD) Plan and established a process for early childhood evaluations.
The Medically Fragile Waiver was developed to provide specialized home-based services to 25 children who otherwise would have been served in hospitals or state institutions.
Legislative mandate passed requiring the State Department of Education to apply for Public Law 94-142 funds (Education for All Handicapped Children Act) adding $13 million to special education programs.

1985

Legislative mandate passed requiring all 3- and 4-year-old children with developmental disabilities to be served in the public schools by 1987.