What do we mean when we say Developmental Disability?
In general, a developmental disability includes, but is not limited to, people who have an intellectual, physical, or other disability that occurs before the age of 22.
Under federal law, developmental disability means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that:
- Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments;
- Is manifested before the age of 22;
Is likely to continue indefinitely; - Result in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity:
- Self care
- Receptive and expressive language
- Learning
- Mobility
- Self-direction
- Capacity for independent living
- Economic self-sufficiency
- Reflect the individual’s need for services, supports or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.