Definition of Developmental Disabilities

A developmental disability is a severe, chronic disability that begins any time from birth through age 21 and is expected to last for a lifetime.

Developmental disabilities may be cognitive, physical, or a combination of both. While not always visible, these disabilities can result in serious limitations in every day activities of life, including self-care, communication, learning, mobility, or being able to work or live independently. Such disabilities are almost sure to result in a lifetime of dependence on publicly funded services, unless families receive sufficient support, children receive appropriate education, and adults receive appropriate services that enable them to live and work in their local communities.

Approximately 4 million Americans have developmental disabilities. We have approximately 40,000 individuals with developmental disabilities in Mississippi and approximately 400,000 individuals with disabilities. Developmental disabilities can occur in any family, no matter what their ethnic, economic, religious or political background.