Georgia-DOJ Impasse Frustrates Judge

Georgia and the U.S. Department of Justice remain at an impasse over improvements to the state’s services for people with mental illness and developmental disabilities, despite a federal judge’s push for quicker action to resolve their differences.Wednesday was the day set by U.S. District Court Judge Charles Pannell last month for attorneys for the two sides to report back to him on their progress. But after a brief conference in his court Wednesday, he told them to prepare for a formal hearing in late March.

One Year Later, a Return to Rhode Island

A year ago, Rhode Island agreed to find better opportunities for at least 2,000 people with developmental and learning disabilities. It was part of a settlement after a federal investigation uncovered programs that funneled people with disabilities into sweat shops, where they toiled for very little pay.

One year later, journalist Casey Nilsson looks at what progress the state is making to address the problem.

Florida Agencies Unveil Plan to Improve Care

TALLAHASSEE -- Florida state agencies are taking new measures to help parents with medically fragile and disabled children.Officials on Thursday announced a plan to provide disabled children with care coordinators — 28 nurses who will help parents deal with the multiple agencies involved in their children’s care.