What is a Developmental Disability?
A developmental disability is defined in state statute (SDCL 27B-1-18), as any severe,
chronic disability of a person that:
- Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments;
- Is manifested before the person attains age twenty-two;
- Is likely to continue indefinitely;
- Results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity:
self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent
living, and economic self-sufficiency; and
- Reflects the person's need for an array of generic services, met through a system of individualized
planning and supports over an extended time, including those of a life-long duration.
The Federal Developmental Disabilities Act (Public Law 101-496) defines a developmental disability
as a severe, chronic disability of a person five years of age or older which...
- Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments;
- Is manifested before the person attains age twenty-two;
- Is likely to continue indefinitely;
- Results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas
of major life activity:
- self-care;
- receptive and expressive language;
- learning;
- mobility,
- self-direction;
- capacity for independent living; and
- economic self-sufficiency; and
- Reflects the person's need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic
care, treatment, or other services which are lifelong or extended duration and are 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 a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or
acquired conditions with a high probability of resulting in developmental disabilities if services
are not provided.
Are you interested in being an advocate or volunteer for a person with a developmental disability?
There are a number of individuals receiving services from Adjustment Training Centers who
are in need of a person who wants to volunteer and advocate for them. There is a need for
people who are willing to be a mentor, a friend and who will take the time to visit and
become involved in the life of a person with a developmental disability.
For more information, contact an adjustment training center in your area or the Division of Developmental Disabilities.