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Developmental Disabilities |
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A developmental disability
affects what your mind or body does. It occurs before age 22
and usually lasts a life time. You may need help with
language and learning. You may also need help with moving
around and taking care of yourself. Michigan's Mental Health
Code has a formal definition - MCL (Michigan Compiled Laws)
330.1100a (21) |
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Developmental
Disability means either of the following:
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If applied
to an individual older than five years, a severe,
chronic condition that meets all of the following
requirements:
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Is
attributed to mental or physical impairment or a
combination of mental and physical impairments.
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Is
manifested before the individual is 22 years old.
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Is
likely to continue indefinitely.
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Reflects the individual's need for a combination and
sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or other
services that are of lifelong or extended duration
and are individually planned and coordinated.
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Results in substantial functional limitation in
three or more of the following areas of major life
activities: Self-care, receptive and expressive
language, learning, mobility, self-direction,
capacity for independent living, economic
self-sufficiency.
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If applied
to a minor from birth to age five, a substantial
developmental delay or a specific congenital or acquired
condition with a high probability of resulting in
developmental disability as defined above.
Common
disabilities that may fall under this definition include
mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and autism. However,
many other disabilities fall under the definition if the
above criteria are met. |
The Social
Model Definition of Disability
- The
loss or limitation of opportunities for persons with
physical, sensory or intellectual impairments to partake
in the ordinary life or the community on an equal level
with others is due to physical, structural and social
barriers.
(PDF)
(PPT)
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History of
Developmental Disabilities
Parallels in Time
(Minnesota DD Council) |
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