Developmental Disabilities « Disabilities – Learning
General Information About Developmental Disabilities
- Developmental Disabilities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of severe chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments. People with developmental disabilities have problems with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living. Developmental disabilities begin anytime during development up to 22 years of age and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.
Official Government Resources About Developmental Disabiities
- Administration on Developmental Disabilities (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services)
U.S. Government organization responsible for implementation of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, known as the DD Act. Ensures that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to culturally competent services, supports, and other assistance and opportunities that promotes independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion into the community. - The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000
To improve service systems for individuals with developmental disabilities, and for other purposes. - Rising Expectations: The Developmental Disabilities Act Revisited (National Council on Disability – 2/15/11)
NCD conducted a year-long study of how well these programs are meeting the needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families. This report presents the findings and offers recommendations for changes to help develop a more uniform national policy that will support the goals of the Developmental Disabilities Act and improve the program supports and services for people with developmental disabilities.
Resources About Developmental Disabiities (Websites, Blogs)
- American Assn. of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilties (AAIDD)
Professionals working to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. - Best Buddies
Organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. - Dan Marino Foundation
Established to support medical research, treatment, and outreach programs for children with chronic illnesses and developmental disabilities. - Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities (Disability.gov)
Helpful resources related to this issue from a variety of sources. - Disability Scoop
The first nationally focused online news organization serving the developmental disability community including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, fragile X and mental retardation, among others. - Frequently Asked Questions About Developmental Disability (St. Louis Arc)
From "What is a development disability" to "How can I help people who have development disabilities." - Heart of Sailing
The charity was founded in 2004 by George Saidah, a successful software entrepreneur who was motivated by his personal experience with a loved one with a cognitive disorder. A sailor for more than 40 years, Saidah dreamed of combining his love of the ocean with service to the community and now devotes his time to developing Heart of Sailing to create a fun, educational and therapeutic opportunity for children with developmental disabilities. - Information Connections
A website for parents of children with developmental disabilities serves as an information portal to resources with a special focus on autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, Down syndrome, and traumatic brain injury, among others. Easy access will simplify and enhance parent’s abilities to gather accurate information about developmental problems. - Overcoming Obstacles, Encouraging Abilities
The Developmental Disabilities Association is a community living agency that provides over 50 community-based programs and services to children, adults and their families with developmental disabilities in Vancouver and Richmond. - The Arc Michigan
Mission is to ensure that people with developmental disabilities are valued in order that they and their families can participate fully in and contribute to their community. - The DD News Blog
News, information, and commentary for families and friends of people with developmental disabilities.
Articles and Pubications About Developmental Disabilities
- Bridging the Aging and Developmental Disabilities Service Networks: Challenges and Best Practices (Institute on Disability and Human Development – University of Illinois at Chicago – 3/15/12)
People with developmental disabilities are aging at unprecedented rates and have unique health and service needs. Adults with developmental disabilities have a higher risk of developing chronic health conditions at younger ages than other adults, due to the confluence of biological factors related to syndromes and associated disabilities. They also may face poor access to adequate health care, as well as lifestyle and environmental issues. These unique service needs of this population pose new challenges for existing service networks. Traditionally the aging and developmental disabilities services systems have run on parallel tracks. Large-scale legislative changes that target long-term care services and supports will require greater communication and coordination between the two systems. In this time of great transformation, it is critical for the two systems to work together as their populations face similar needs including managed long-term, integrated care for people who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare, and rebalancing initiatives that promote community living. - Costs and Outcomes of Community Services for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
University of Minnesota Policy Research Brief. - Developmental Disabilities & Dementia (Iowa Senior Resource Digest)
2009 Power Point presentations from the American Association of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities. - Legacy of Willowbrook State School takes center stage at Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council (SI Live – 2/19/11)
The legacy of Willowbrook took center stage yesterday at a legislative breakfast for the developmentally disabled, as advocates implored state officials to "keep the promise" Albany made when it shuttered the reviled facility in 1987 after generations of people were warehoused there. - The Dollars and Cents of Disability (Disability Scoop)
Caring for a person with a developmental disability includes far more than just paying for therapy. With lifelong needs at play, caregivers must consider who will one day fill their shoes and how.
Patti's Comment: This is a nice article written by a colleague of mine. - How Can Disabilities Impact Oral Health? Developmental disabilities can impact a person’s general and oral health standing.
