What is a developmental disability?
In Washington State a Developmental Disability is defined as: • Being attributable to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, another neurological or other condition found by the department to be closely related to mental retardation or requiring treatment similar to that required for individuals with mental retardation which: – Originates prior to age eighteen – Is expected to continue indefintely and – Results in substantial limitations to an individual’s cognitive and/or adaptive functioning • Children age 6 through 9: May be determined eligible due to developmental delays applicable to children under age 6 or other eligible conditions applicable to person age 10 and older. • Applicants age 10 and older: Must meet eligibility criteria for mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, another neurological or other condition similar to mental retardation with an IQ of 69 or below.
A developmental disability is a severe, chronic disability that is attributable to mental and/or physical impairments that manifest before age 22. Mental retardation is a developmental disability that occurs before the age of 18. An individual with mental retardation will have a lower level of intellectual functioning and have significant limitations in skill areas that may include communication, self-care, health and safety, and social skills.
According to the Federal Developmental Disabilities Act of 1984, Public Law 98-527, Sec. 102(7), a developmental disability is a severe, chronic disability which: • is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments; • is manifested before age 22; • is likely to continue indefinitely; • results 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 sufficiency • reflects the person’s need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic care, treatment, or other services which are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated. Within each disability there is a range in conditions from mild to severe. Several handicapping conditions are most associated with developmental disabilities – two of which, mental
Developmental disabilities are chronic disabilities that are attributable to mental or physical impairments apparent before the age of 22. These disabilities tend to be life-long and result in substantial functional limitations in major life activities such as self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living and economic self-sufficiency. However, this definition does not begin to define the abilities and lives of people with disabilities. People with disabilities are also mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. They laugh and cry, go to school, hold jobs, pay taxes, play sports, get married and have children. People with developmental disabilities are poets and playwrights, business leaders and professionals, athletes and advocates.
