Developmental Disabilities

Developmental disabilities are severe, chronic disabilities attributable to mental and/or physical impairment which manifest in childhood and are likely to continue indefinitely. They result in substantial limitations in self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and/or economic self-sufficiency. The following sites provide general information relating to developmental disabilities; for additional resources, see our pages on mental retardation and other specific disabilities.
Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD)
The home of the federal agency that oversees government policies and programs, the ADD web site provides information about developmental disabilities policies, programs, state activities, events, staff, links, and related information.
The Consortium of Developmental Disabilities Councils (CDDC)
The CDDC is a membership organization representing the statewide Developmental Disabilities Councils. Its web site includes information the Councils wish to share with each other (such as job postings), information about legislation and other public policy issues affecting people with developmental disabilities, contact information for the state Councils and the federal Administration on Developmental Disabilities, and more.
The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 [updated 11/14/00]
The complete text of S 1809. which was signed into law by President Clinton on October 30, 2000.
Developmental Disabilities Sites of the States
This “unofficial guide to State Developmental Disabilities Agency sites” is a handy list of links.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center
“The Center promotes understanding of neurological and behavioral development, with special emphasis on meeting challenges associated with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.” This site provides indepth information about its research, training and service programs.
Quality Mall [added 4/10/01]
Calling itself “a showcase of promising practices and innovations that promote quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities,” Quality Mall uses the theme of a shopping mall “to help connect visitors to the best products and services available.” For example, the “Family Place” store is divided into the departments on Family Support and Respite, Family Advocacy, Whole Families, Financial and Estate Planning, New Parents, and Parents with Disabilities. The products in the stores include programs, publications, video and sound recordings, training curriculum, CD-ROMs, and websites. Discussion groups and realtime chat are also available. While we found the shopping mall theme a bit stretched and sometimes confusing, this site is packed with useful information and resources. Set aside some time for a shopping trip, and we think you’ll agree.
Understanding Developmental Disabilities
This section of the Seguin Services web site includes a good overview of developmental disabilities and history of people with developmental disabilities in the U.S.
University Affiliated Programs (UAPs)
Located at major universities and teaching hospitals throughout the U.S., UAPs engage in activities to support the independence, productivity, integration and inclusion into the community of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The UAP web site offers information about legislation, contacts, special projects and technical assistance activities relating to developmental disabilities.
Related Subjects
Disabilities – General
Just for Parents
Mental Retardation
Specific Disabilities
Resources in your state