Developmental Disabilities
Through the Allegheny LINK to Aging and Disability Resources, Allegheny County provides technical assistance to people with developmental disabilities and their families in accessing resources to meet their specific needs. Allegheny County, however, does not provide financial support in providing these supports and services, but will assist people with accessing supports and services that may be available and appropriate. All home-and community-based waivers related to disabilities other than mental retardation are administered through the Pa. Department of Public Welfare.
The term Developmental Disability* means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that –
- is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments
- is manifested before the individual attains age 22 years
- is likely to continue indefinitely
- result in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity
- Self care
- Receptive and expressive language
- Learning
- Mobility
- Self-direction
- Capacity for independent living
- 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
*Information referenced: "Public Law 106-402 Section 102 (Oct. 30, 2000) Titled - Programs for Developmental Disabilities "
Developmental Disability for Infants and Young Children
An individual from birth to age nine years, inclusive, who has a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition, may be considered to have a developmental disability without meeting three or more of the criteria described above, if the individual, without services and supports, has a high probability of meeting those criteria later in life. Children, who by age nine years, have been diagnosed with mental retardation can continue to receive supports coordination services through the DHS Office of Intellectual Disability. Children who are not diagnosed with mental retardation can receive appropriate services through The Pa. Department of Public Welfare. The Allegheny LINK to Aging and Disability Resources can assist families in accessing these supports.
Additional Resouces
Office of Intellectual Disability brochure