

What are Developmental Disabilities?

Section 102(8) of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (P.L. 160-402) of 2000 defines the term "developmental disability"

A.    IN GENERAL.—The term ''developmental disability'' means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that— 

            i.  is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments;
            ii.  is manifested before the individual attains age 22;
            iii.  is likely to continue indefinitely;
            iv.  results in substantial functional limitations in 3 or more of the following areas of major life activity:
                      v.  Self-care.
                      vi.  Receptive and expressive language.
                      vii.  Learning.
                      viii.  Mobility.
                      ix.  Self-direction.
                      x.  Capacity for independent living.
                      xi.  Economic self-sufficiency; and

B.    INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN.—An individual from birth to age 9, inclusive, who has a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition, may be considered to have a developmental disability without meeting 3 or more of the criteria described in clauses (i) through (v) of subparagraph (A) if the individual, without services and supports, has a high probability of meeting those criteria later in life.


Last Updated 6/6/2013