Occupational therapy in early intervention: new perspectives create greater possibilities.

Historically, occupational therapists have provided services to infants and toddlers within hospitals and other public agencies (Hanft, 1988)_ The Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986 (Public Law 99-457) marks a shift in the focus and priorities for a comprehensive system of services for young children and their families (Gallagher, Trohanis, & Clifford, 1989) _The law establishes new policies based on the needs of children and families and on the documented evidence that suggests that e<lrly intervention services are beneficial (Trohanis, 1989) _Because occupational therapy services are included in the legisl<ltion and are part of many community-based service provision agencies, knowledge of this law and its impact on the service environment is imperative_ A useful first step is to obtain a copy of the law and the corresponding regulations_ A copy of the law can be obtained from any U_S_ senator or congressman; the law is also reprinted in GUidelinesfor Occupational Therapy Services in Early Intervention and Preschool Services (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTAj, 1989). Recently, the regulations for the implementation of Public Law 99-457 mandates were published in the Fedeml Register (June 22,1989). A complete copy of these regulations can be obtained from the Federal Register, from any senator or congressman, or from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs; the regulations are also included in the Guidelines fOlOccupational Tbempy Services in Early Intervention and Preschool Services (AOTA, 1989)_ Several sections of the regulaWinnie Dunn