Blue Mountain Eagle
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
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Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Developmental Disability FAQ
What are the causes and risk factors?
Most developmental disabilities are thought to be caused by a complex mix of factors. These factors include genetics, parental
health, or exposure of the mother or child to high levels of environmental toxins, such as lead. For some developmental disabilities
such as fetal alcohol syndrome, which is caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy, we know the ca use. But for most, we don’t.
Why do some states still use the term “mental retardation”?
Beginning in 2010, with the passage of Rosa’s Law (PUBLIC LAW 111–256), many states began
the process of replacing all mentions of “mental retardation” with intellectual disability.
However, the legislative process of changing terminology takes time.
How does having a disability affect someone’s life?
The effects of a developmental disability vary among individuals, just as the range of abilities
varies among all people. Some may just need help maintaining a budget, while others may
need significant supports throughout their lives.
To view
Rosa’s Law
(PUBLIC LAW 111-256)
in it’s entirety visit
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-
111s2781enr/pdf/BILLS-
111s2781enr.pdf
What are supports and how can they help?
Supports include the resources necessary to promote the development, education, interests, and well- being of a person. With help
from family, friends and agencies like The Arc, individuals with intellectual and developmental disa bilities who are provided
appropriate personalized supports can live independent, productive lives in the community.
What is people first language?
People First Language emphasizes the person, not the disability. People with disabilities are first and foremost – people. They are
moms, dads, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. By placing the pe rson first, the disability is no
longer the primary, defining characteristic, but one of several aspects of the whole person.
Say This
Not This
Person with a disability
Betty has an intellectual disability
Sam uses a wheelchair
Disabled person
Betty is intellectually disabled
Sam is confined to a wheelchair
What are intellectual and developmental disabilities?
What is an Intellectual Disability?
The onset of an intellectual disability occurs before age 18 and causes limitations in two
areas:
1. intellectual functioning
2. adaptive behavior
What is Adaptive Behavior?
Adaptive behavior is age-appropriate behavior necessary for a person to live
independently, function safely and appropriately in daily life. Adaptive behaviors include
life skills such as grooming, dressing, managing money and making friends.
What is a Developmental Disability (DD)?
A developmental disability is a life-long disability that occurs before age 22 and causes three or m ore
limitations in the following areas of life activity:
1. self care
2. language
3. learning
4. mobility
5. self-direction
6. capacity for independent living
7. economic self-sufficiency
What is the difference between an Intellectual and a developmental disability?
The major differences are:
1. age of onset
2. severity of limitations
3. the DD definition does not refer to an IQ requirement
How many people have an Intellectual disability?
Nationally, about 4.6 million Americans have an intellectual or developmental disability. Between 20 06-2008, 1 in 6 children were
diagnosed with a developmental disability.
Source: www.disabilityawarenessnj.org
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