Developmental Disabilities Law and Legal Definition
In the U.S., developmental disability refers to the life-long disabilities attributable to mental or physical impairments of an individual 5 years of age or older. Developmental disabilities are birth defects which are likely to continue indefinitely and can cause life long problems with how a body part or system works.
It imposes limitations in the major activities of life such as self care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. Developmental disabilities can be nervous system disabilities, sensory-related disabilities, metabolic disorders, and degenerative disorders.
Persons with developmental disabilities use individually planned and coordinated services and supports of their choosing, especially, housing, employment, education, civil and human rights protection, health care, to live in and to participate in the activities of the community.
Legal Definition list
Related Legal Terms
- Administration on Developmental Disabilities
- Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- Children with Disabilities
- Children with Severe Disabilities
- Children with Specific Learning Disabilities
- Civil Disabilities
- Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities [Education]
- Crime Victims With Disabilities Awareness Act
- Developmental Delay
