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The report discusses public policy issues affecting services to the disabled. Aspects covered include umbrella versus categorical service organization, independent living, independent living services, deinstitutionalization and the unions, utilizing Medicaid for 24 hour residential services, national health insurance, financing home services and attendant care, federalized health care coverage for Social Security Insurance and Disability Insurance recipients, a federal long term care program proposal, changing existing federal matching rates, the future of congregate housing, housing construction, housing rehabilitation, housing lease and purchase, providing "related services" under education for handicapped children mandates, the future role of sheltered workshops and work activity centers, the expansion of civil rights, 1981 developmental disabilities legislation, and promoting a normalizing lifestyle. (Author/DLS)

The report discusses financing respite care (short term care of the handicapped to provide family relief) services for the developmentally disabled (DD). Respite care is examined as a component of a comprehensive service delivery system for the DD, and the scope of respite care services as conceptualized by its advocates is reviewed. Nationally recognized taxonomies of services for the DD generally emphasize respite care as a temporary living arrangement component of an individual and family support service, although certan advocates of respite care have suggested that it be viewed as a comprehensive supportive family services network. Many states are developing respite care programs which may be viewed as one component of a family support network. The nature of federal funding and the classification of services are examined. The financing of respite care models is discussed in terms of out of home residential placement, out of home family placement, in home health and attendant services, in home sitter and companion services, family support services, and respite care as day activities. Also discussed are start up and core staffing of respite care programs. (Author/DLS)