Citizen Advocacy of Washington County

Definitions of Developmental Disabilities:

Definitions of Developmental Disabilities:

Federal:

According to the Developmental Disabilities Act section 102(8) "the term 'developmental disability' means a severe, chronic disability of an individual five years of age or older that:

1. Is attributed to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments;
2. Is manifested before the individual attains age 22;
3. Is likely to continue indefinitely;
4. Results in substantial functional limitations in three or more areas of major life activity;
i. Self-care;
ii. Receptive and expressive language;
iii. Learning;
iv. Mobility;
v. Self-direction
vi. Capacity for independent living
vii. Economic self-sufficiency
5. Reflects the individual's need for a combination and sequence of special interdisciplinary, or generic services, supports or other assistance that is of lifelong or extended duration and is individually planned and coordinated, except that such term, when applied to infants and young children means individuals from birth to age five, inclusive, who have substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired conditions with a high probability of resulting in developmental disabilities if serves are not provided."

Wisconsin State:

State Statute Chapter 51.01 (5)(a)

"A developmental disability, is a disability attributable to brain injury, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, Prader-Willi syndrome, mental retardation, or another neurological condition closely related to mental retardation or requiring treatment similar to that required for mental retardation, which has continued or can be expected to continue indefinitely and constitutes a substantial hardship to the affected individual. Developmental disability does not include senility that is primarily caused by process of aging or the infirmities of aging.