Keeping pace with Minnesota's accelerating efforts, federal programs also were expanding. In 1968, a federally-funded planning effort recommended:
- Mandatory PKU testing,
- Behavior modification,
- More sheltered workshops and day programs,
- Additional federal funds for education in state-run institutions.
Mandatory PKU testing began in 1968 with 171,066 tests run over an 18-month period. Overall, 11 newborns were diagnosed with disabilities.
Minnesota developed an aggressive plan that took advantage of increased federal funding.