Historical Analysis of Developmental Disabilities Legislation

LEGISLATION: P.L. 101-496 (1990)
A. DEFINITION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY: There are more than 3 million people with developmental disabilities in the U.S. (Replaces "2 million); "a substantial number remain unserved or underserved."

Definition of developmental disabilities clarified to address include those from birth to 5 years old "who have substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired conditions with a high probability of resulting in developmental disabilities."
B. PROGRAM: No change, except as below.
C. PRIME CONCEPTS:

Moved beyond goals of independence, integration, and productivity toward: interdependence, inclusion into society, and recognition of contributions (other than just productivity.)

Also added to purpose: to provide interdisciplinary training and technical assistance to professionals, paraprofessionals, family members, and individuals with developmental disabilities; and to advocate for public policy change and community acceptance.

Definitions:

  1. Integration, altered to include use of "same community resources in living, learning, working, and enjoying life," and the development of "friendships and relationships with persons without disabilities."
  2. Family support services, to strengthen families, prevent inappropriate out of home placements and maintain family unity, and to reunite families.
  3. Also added— "individual support services," "community support services," "assistive technology services," and "prevention."
D. ALLOTMENT FORMULA: No change.
E. USE OF FUNDS: No change.
F. SERVICES: Federal priority activities: community living, employment, child development, and system coordination and community education (replacing "case management").
G. ADMINISTRATION: No change.
H. STATE PLAN: Describe programs relating to "housing, transportation, and technology." (Added to "State Context Section.")
I. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION: No change.
J. EVALUATION: No change.
K. BILL OF RIGHTS: No change.
L. HABILITATION PLANS: No change.
M. PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY: No change.
N. REVIEW PLANS: "Plans" changed to "programs," as related to persons with developmental disabilities and their families.
O. EMPLOYEE PROTECTION: No change.
P. SPECIAL REPORTS: Annual report to address unserved and underserved populations/services. 1990 Report to be reflected in State Plan.
Q. PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION SYSTEMS: No change.
R. UNIVERSITY AFFILIATED
PROGRAMS		  
S. OTHER:  
T. ASSURANCES: