Abstract

Kentucky has had state funding for support services for students with hearing loss in higher education mandated by law since 1986. In addition to having resolved the issues about "who pays" for these services, this arrangement has brought about a spirit of collaboration and development of key relationships that have been beneficial in the development of other activities. Also, this initiative has continued to evolve with changes in the law and procedures implementing the law, as needed, to meet the needs of both the postsecondary institutions and the state vocational rehabilitation agency. While this system is not perfect, this arrangement is a "Win/Win" situation for Kentucky, especially for students using these services. The Kentucky Department of Vocational Rehabilitation believes this process meets the requirements of the inter-agency agreement with higher education as mandated by the 1998 Rehabilitation Act Amendments.