Developmental Disabilities Services Division Fact Sheet - Oklahoma ...

BUILDING BRIDGES
OF SUPPORT ONE
PERSON AT A TIME
DDSD
Developmental Disabilities Services Division
WHAT IS A DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY?
According to the Developmental Disabilities Act (Pub.L.106-402), the term “developmental
disability” means a severe, chronic disability that is attributable to a mental or physical
impairment or a combination of those impairments; occurs before the individual reaches
age 22; is likely to continue indefinitely; results in substantial functional limitations in three
or more of the following areas of major life activity: (i) self care, (II) receptive and
expressive language, (III) learning, (iv) mobility, (v) self-direction, (vi) capacity for
independent living, and (VII) economic self-sufficiency; and reflects the individual’s need
for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services,
individualized supports, or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended
duration and are individually planned and coordinated.
The term “developmental disability” can include several types of conditions including,
but not limited to: Autism, Down Syndrome, Asperger’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and
epilepsy. Many states use different definitions for developmental disabilities based on the
federal law. Oklahoma uses the federal definition and also adds that a person must have a
primary diagnosis of mental retardation to be qualified for developmental disabilities
services.
WHAT IS MENTAL RETARDATION?
Mental Retardation is generally thought to be present if an individual has an intelligence
quotient (IQ) test score of approximately 70 or below (AAMR, 2002). Intelligence refers to a
general mental capability. It involves the ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think
abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, learn quickly, and learn from experience. IQ scores
are determined from standardized tests given by trained professionals.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MENTAL RETARDATION AND MENTAL ILLNESS?
Mental retardation is not mental illness. Mental retardation refers to a person’s
capability to think and reason. Mental illness is an emotional disturbance. There may be
one occurrence or several that can develop at any time in a person’s life. Like anyone else,
a person with mental retardation may become emotionally disturbed or mentally ill, but
they are separate conditions.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED BY MENTAL RETARDATION?
Studies have shown that somewhere between 1 and 3 percent of Americans have
mental retardation, depending on how they are counted. Based on an IQ score alone, the
percentages would be closer to 3 percent.
It is difficult to pinpoint exactly how many people have mental retardation. Studies alone
may not identify everyone. Many parents and professionals throughout the U.S. report that
they are aware the label “mental retardation” can bring offense, and for this reason they
avoid its use. Many school-age children receive a diagnosis of learning disability,
developmental delay, behavior disorder, or autism instead of mental retardation. Many
adults who technically could be said to have mental retardation live independent,
productive lives and avoid all labels. Their success and their lack of functional limitations
may mean that they are not included in studies that count the number of adults who have
cognitive, intellectual or related developmental disabilities. (The Arc, 2004)
HOW DO COGNITIVE AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES SUCH AS MENTAL RETARDATION
AFFECT INDIVIDUALS?
The effects of these disabilities vary considerably among people who have them, just as
the range of abilities varies considerably among all people. Children may take longer to
learn to speak, walk, and take care of their personal needs, such as dressing or eating.
People may take longer learning in school. As adults, many people will be able to lead
independent lives in the community without paid supports. A small percentage will have
serious, lifelong limitations in functioning.
OKDHS Pub. No. 05-28 /Issued 08/2005/This publication is authorized by the Commission for
Human Services in accordance with state and federal regulations and printed by the Oklahoma
Department of Human Services at a cost of $1,010.60 for 5,000 copies. Copies have been
deposited with the Publications Clearinghouse of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. OKDHS
offices may request copies on ADM-9 electronic supply orders. Members of the public may obtain
copies by contacting the OKDHS Records Center at (405) 962-1721 or 1-877-283-4113 (toll free).
CAN EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND SUPPORTS HELP?
While people with developmental disabilities learn more slowly than other people, they
have many of the same hopes, fears, joys, problems, and needs that others do. They have
talents and abilities that should be developed through individualized education, job
training, and specialized therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech therapies.
Supports can enhance individual functioning. Supports can come from family, friends, and
community or from a service system such as the Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Developmental Disabilities Services Division.
With early intervention as children, and appropriate education, training, and support s
as adults, all people with developmental disabilities can lead satisfying lives in their
communities. The end result is a better, more normal life for people who have the same
rights and responsibilities as anyone else.
For more information about developmental disabilities or available services, contact DDSD
at (405) 521-3571 or toll free (866) 521-3571.
References:
The Arc, Q&A, revised 2004. Web Site: www.thearc.org.
American Association on Mental Retardation. (2002).
Mental Retardation: Definition, Classification, and
Systems of Supports, 10th Edition.
Washington, DC: American Association on Mental Retardation.
American Association on Mental Retardation. (2004).
Fact Sheet: Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Retardation.
www.aamr.org/Policies/faq_mental_retardation.shtml.
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000.
PL 106-402.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on
Developmental Disabilities.
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/.