California wins $50 million grant for children with disabilities

September 30, 2013

California has received a $50 million federal grant to boost education and employment opportunities for children with mental and physical disabilities.

The U.S. Department of Education announced Monday that California was among the 11 states to win a PROMISE grant to benefit children who receive Supplemental Security Income, which is paid to low-income families of children with physical or mental disabilities. A recent investigative report by This American Life on the country’s disability system has called into question the efficacy of awarding families with benefits for learning disabilities. Some argue that the program provides an incentive for otherwise functional young adults to stay out of the workplace.

The grant will be administered by the California Department of Rehabilitation. Details are not yet available on the department’s website.

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