About Developmental Disabilities
The term developmental disability refers to a severe and chronic disability that is
attributable to a mental or physical impairment. The disability must begin before the 18th
birthday, be expected to continue indefinitely and present a substantial disability. Also,
the disability must be due to one of the following conditions:
Mental retardation
Cerebral Palsy
Epilepsy
Autism
A disabling condition closely related to mental retardation or requiring similar
treatment.
To be eligible for services funded by the California Department of Developmental
Services, individuals must have a developmental disability as defined in Section 4512 of
the California Welfare and Institutions Code. Section 4512 defines developmental
disability as:
"a disability which originates before an individual attains age 18, continues, or
can be expected to continue, indefinitely, and constitutes a substantial disability for
that individual. As defined by the Director of Developmental Services, in consultation
with the Superintendent of Public Instruction, this term shall include mental retardation,
cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism. This term shall also include disabling conditions
found to be closely related to mental retardation or to require treatment similar to that
required for mentally retarded individuals, but shall not include other handicapping
conditions that are solely physical in nature."
Infants and toddlers (age 0 to 36 months) who are at risk of becoming developmentally
disabled or who have a developmental delay may also qualify for services. The criteria for
determining the eligibility of infants and toddlers is in Section 95014 of the California
Government Code.
Etiquette-
People with developmental disabilities prefer to be thought of and related to as people
first. They do not wish to called by their disability, i.e. the d.d.
When you're working with someone who has a developmental disability, please
remember...
Look at them, and talk directly to them instead of talking about them to parents or
helpers who might be with them, don't act as if they're not there.
Make no assumptions about what they know or mean. Draw people out, ask questions, or
have them show you.
If the disability makes it necessary, change the way you communicate (i.e. use easy
words and short sentences, or communication tools, sign language, etc.), but don't talk
down to them, respect their individuality, experience, and age.
If needed and possible, use pictures and models to help explain things when teaching
about HIV prevention. (Note: Since an unusually high number of people in this community
have been sexually abused or exploited, please use great care and sensitivity when
introducing explicit pictures and models. On the other hand, because many people are very
concrete in their learning styles, it is not wise to substitute unrelated models for a
more reasonable facsimile, i.e when demonstrating proper condom use, a rubber dildo is
preferable to a zucchini, carrot, etc.)
Give information a little at a time. Multiple shorter sessions are usually better than
one long class, and short break periods often help refocus attention. It also helps to
repeat information in a variety of ways, and to review information periodically over time.
Make sure you are understood, ask them to say back, or show you, what they heard you
say, rather than ask if they understand what you mean.
If writing or reading are necessary, ask them if they would like some help.
Support their ideas and independence by asking what they want. Then help them make a
plan or take action to get it. Give clear, honest information and respectful feedback.
Don't let a person's disability be an excuse for inappropriate behavior, letting people
off the hook does not show respect.
Regional Centers for People with Developmental Disabilities
California has a system of twenty-one regional centers that provide comprehensive
services to people with developmental disabilities throughout their lives. The regional
center serving the City and County of San Francisco (also Marin and San Mateo Counties)
is:
Golden Gate Regional Center
120 Howard Street, Third Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 546-9222
Fax: (415) 546-9203
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