The Federal Definition of “Developmental Disability”

Public Law 98-527, the Developmental Disabilities Act of 1984, defines a developmental disability as “a severe, chronic disability of a person which:

1.  is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments

2.  is manifested before the person attains age 22

3.  is likely to continue indefinitely

4.  results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity:

a.  self-care

b.  receptive and expressive language

c. learning

d.  mobility

e.  self-direction

f.  capacity for independent living

g.  economic self-sufficiency

5.  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.”

Section 102 (7)