In 1987 President Ronald Reagan passed a proclamation declaring March National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Spread the word to family, friends, and professionals that all people with developmental disabilities can be productive, contributing members of their communities. Increased awareness can lead to greater access to education, health care, employment, and community living opportunities.
According to Missouri's Division of Developmental Disabilities, a developmental disability is a lifelong disability that can be attributed to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, head injury, autism, or a learning disability related to a brain dysfunction, or any other mental or physical or mental impairment which occurs before the age 22. It results in a substantial functional limitation in two or more of the following six areas of major life activities: self care, receptive and expressive language development and use, learning, self-direction, capacity for independent living or economic self sufficiency and mobility.
What supports are available in Missouri?
Navigating resources can be frustrating and confusing. Remember that
Missouri Parents Act can help you navigate through the special education process from birth to age 26 by providing you with support, training, information, and resources.
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