Federal Definition of Developmental Disabilities

According to the Developmental Disabilities Act, section 102(8), "the term 'developmental disability' means a severe, chronic disability of an individual 5 years of age or older that:

1. Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments;

2. Is manifested before the individual attains age 22;

3. Is likely to continue indefinitely;

5. 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.

5. Reflects the individual's need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, supports, or other assistance that is of lifelong or extended duration and is individually planned and coordinated, except that such term, when applied to infants and young children means individuals from birth to age 5, inclusive, who have substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired conditions with a high probability of resulting in developmental disabilities if services are not provided."

State's Application of the Federal Definition

Maryland State Law [Health General ' 7-101(e)] defines developmental disability as:
A severe chronic disability that:

1. is attributable to a physical or mental impairment, other than the sole diagnosis of mental illness, or to a combination of mental and physical impairments;
2. is manifested before the individual attains the age of 22;
3. is likely to continue indefinitely;
4. results in the inability to live independently without external support or continuing and regular assistance; and
5. reflects the need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic care, treatment, or other services that are planned and coordinated for that individual.

An individual is eligible only for support services if he/she has a severe chronic disability that:

1. is attributable to a physical or mental impairment, other than the sole diagnosis of mental illness, or to a combination of mental and physical impairments;
2. is likely to continue indefinitely.

[Health General ' 7-403(c)]

The Maryland statutory definition of developmental disability determines eligibility for services from Maryland's developmental disabilities services agency, the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).  It is similar to the federal definition in referring to a disability that Aresults in an inability to live independently without external support or continuing and regular assistance; and reflects the need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic care, treatment, or other services that are individually planned and coordinated for the individual.  However, it differs from the federal definition by excluding individuals with a sole diagnosis of mental illness, regardless of the age of onset.  While the state definition and accompanying services and supports are of interest to the Council, the federal definition of developmental disability, rather than the state definition, applies to the Council efforts and constituency since federal law governs the Council.  While the federal definition requires impairments in three out of seven life activity areas, the state definition focuses on limitations in one broad context, the ability to live independently without external support. Persons with a sole diagnosis of mental illness are served by the state Mental Hygiene Administration.  Both the Developmental Disabilities Administration and Mental Hygiene Administration are within the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

State Prevalence of Developmental Disabilities
No reliable data exists on the prevalence of developmental disabilities in Maryland. 
According to the U.S. Census Bureau the most recent estimate of the population in the state is 5,296,486 as of April 1, 2000.  Based on that population projection, approximately 95,337 people in Maryland have a developmental disability.