About the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Coalition

Vision

People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities have full access and participation in our community.

Mission

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Coalition is a consortium of organizations dedicated to promoting a seamless continuum of services and supports necessary for improving the lives of all people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

What are Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?

The federal definition of developmental disabilities covers persons whose disability occurs before age 22 and includes a mental or physical impairment or a combination of both. There must be a substantial limitation in three or more of these major life areas: self-care; expressive or receptive language; learning; mobility; capacity for independent living; economic self-sufficiency; or self-direction. Developmental disabilities usually last throughout a person’s lifetime. Examples of developmental disabilities include:

The effects of disabilities vary considerably among people who have them, just as the range of abilities varies considerably among all people. Children may take longer to learn to speak, walk and take care of their personal needs, such as dressing or eating. People may take longer learning in school. As adults, many people could be able to lead independent lives with proper community supports. A small percentage will have serious, lifelong limitations in functioning. People with disabilities often experience feelings of stigmatization, and can be excluded, belittled, and/or isolated.