Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Helpful Documents
What is a Developmental Disability?
The State of Illinois defines a developmental disability as one attributable to an intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy or autism, or any other closely related condition involving impairment of general intellectual functioning and/or adaptive behavior, similar to that of people with an intellectual disability. The condition manifests itself before the age of 22 and is likely to continue indefinitely. It results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of life activity: self care, language, learning, mobility, self direction, and capacity for independent living.
Resource Links
- How to Find Your Way through the Developmental Disability System in Illinois
- Illinois Department of Developmental Disabilities Services
- Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
- IDHS: Early Intervention
- UIC Division of Specialized Care for Children
- Illinois PUNS
- Home and Community Based Services Waiver Programs
- Rights of Individuals form
- Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living
- Community & Residential Services Authority (CRSA)
- Family Matters PTIC
- Equip for Equality
- The Arc of Illinois
- Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
- Developmental Disability Transition Resources (PDF)
- Understanding PUNS (Pamphlet from IDHS)