FAQ's

About Developmental Disability

What is a developmental disability (DD)?
According to the Developmental Disabilities Act (Pub. L. 106-402), the term developmental disability means a severe, chronic disability that: is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or a combination of those impairments; occurs before the individual reaches age 22; is likely to continue indefinitely; results 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; and economic self-sufficiency); and reflects the individual's need for assistance that lifelong or extended duration.

How is this different from mental retardation?
The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), formerly called American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR), defines mental retardation as a disability that occurs before age 18, characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social and practical adaptive skills. It is diagnosed through standardized tests of intelligence and adaptive behavior. AAIDD points out that both functioning and adaptive behavior are affected positively by individualized supports.

The major differences between these two disabilities are (1) the age of onset, (2) the severity of limitations, and (3) the fact that the developmental disability definition does not refer to an IQ requirement. Many individuals with mental retardation will also meet the definition of developmental disability. However, it is estimated that at least half of individuals with mental retardation will not meet the functional limitation requirement in the DD definition.

What's in a name: Mental Retardation vs. Developmental Disabilities?
Much has been said, researched, analyzed and debated about these terms. The shift away from "mental retardation" reflects a fair consensus that the term is prone to abuse, misinterpretation, and has devolved into an insult, especially for people with disabilities and family members and that it no longer reflects the changed construct of the disability. For more information, read "The Renaming of Mental Retardation: Understanding the Change to the Term Intellectual Disability." To learn more about the definition and discussion, visit The Arc.

Why does The Arc use the term developmental disabilities?
The term is more appropriate as it refers to a broader list of conditions that can result in impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior including individuals with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, developmental delay, autism and autism spectrum disorders, fetal alcohol syndrome.

In addition, The Arc does not encourage states, officials, families or individuals to use or promote the term "mental retardation." The general public, including families, individuals, funders, administrators, and public policymakers at local, state and federal levels, are not necessarily aware that the term "mental retardation" is offensive and outdated. We try to use newer, more acceptable language as much as possible. We hope one day everyone will be known by their name, not by a label.

How many people do these conditions affect?
Approximately 3% of the U.S. population — more than 7 million people — are believed to be mentally retarded. Although the degree of retardation can range from mild to profound, assistance in vocational training, employment and community living can help each person have a productive role in society. Approximately 140,000 citizens have mental retardation in Maryland.

What is the definition of an individual with a disability under the ADA?
It is a child or adult who:
• Has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of the "major life activities" such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working
• Has a record of such an impairment,or
• Is regarded as having an impairment

About Services & Programs Available to Persons with Developmental Disabilities

What services are available for persons with developmental disability?
A wide variety of services are available assist persons with developmental disabilities to enjoy and maintain a good quality of life including:
• Family Support and Advocacy Services
• Residential Services
• Supported Living Services
• Employment and day activity services
• Educational Assistance
• Respite Care

Many are mandated or provided for by laws and regulations.

What is Respite Care?
Webster's definition is "to relieve by pause or interval of rest." To the Arc, respite refers to "short-term, temporary care provided to people with disabilities in order that their families can take a break from the daily routine of caregiving." Unlike child care, respite services may sometimes involve overnight care for an extended period of time. Respite care enables families to take vacations, or just a few hours of time off. Respite is often referred to as "a gift of time."

The Arc of Southern Maryland manages a program in Calvert and Charles counties. Other programs are available through organizations such as St. Mary's County Department of Social Services, Easter Seals and United Cerebral Palsy. Many other programs are provided by local organizations such as churches, schools and other non-profit groups. Sometimes families arrange for care with neighbors or other people they know. For more information, read The Arc's Fact Sheet on Respite Care or check our Navigator.

What is Family Support?
Often defined as "whatever it takes" to prevent a person from being placed outside the natural home, family support provides services that are family-centered and tailored to each family. The stress can be financially and emotionally overwhelming so family support programs provide critical support. The Arc believes that children, regardless of their disabilities belong with their families. The Arc's family services [link to familyservices] are wide-ranging from financial assistance to medial supplies to camp scholarships. For more information, read The Arc's Fact Sheet on Family Services.

What are individual support or supported living services?
These are services provided to adults with developmental disabilities who are living with their families or on their own. Support services can be any type of support necessary for an individual to live successfully in his/her community including environmental modifications, adaptive equipment; support by staff; assistance in money management and home skills, transportation and health services. The Arc believes in typical adult lifestyles in their communities for all individuals with disabilities regardless of the severity of the disability and so offers an array of services based on the individual's needs.

What is Supported Employment?
Supported employment provides ongoing training and support to the person while he/she is a paid employee working at an existing business or industry in the community. This provides the opportunity to work with people who do not have disabilities and who are not paid caregivers or service providers as well as a way to earn a wage. The Arc's Partners In Business program serves both the employee and employer.

What is the Waiver Program?
Under Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act, Medicaid law enables states to cover a broad array of home and community-based services (HCBS) for targeted populations (those who have been medically qualified under Medicaid) as an alternative to institutionalization. The goal is to provide necessary services and support that are meaningful to the person receiving the services, respectful of the person's beliefs and customs, and cost-effective. Waivered services help a person to become involved in the community where he or she lives and works and to develop skills to be as independent as possible.

Unfortunately, waivers are limited by enrollment caps and budget allocations. Because allocations haven't kept up with costs and needs, many people are relegated to a waiting List. The Arc along with the Developmental Disabilities Coalition and others are working diligently to get the Waiting List. Be counted - Sign the Waiting List & Youth Transitioning Petition today!

What is the Waiting List?
This list consists of 16,000 individuals with developmental disabilities who are eligible for Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Community Services Waiting List but for whom services are not available. Community Services include residential, day habilitation, employment, family and individual supports. To read more about the Waiting List and the efforts to get funding, visit The Arc of Maryland's website Be counted - Sign the Waiting List & Youth Transitioning Petition today!

What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology refers to devices, equipment, or a combination which improve a person's ability to perform activities of daily living, to control or access the environment, or to communicate.

About Laws & Regulations covering Developmental Disabilities

What laws provide protection and services?
There are three laws that provide rights as well as eligibility for services under Medicaid. These include: The Developmental Disabilities Act;The Americans with Disabilities Act ; and The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA). For more information, visit our Know Your Rights.

What is inclusive education?
Inclusive education means that all students in a school, regardless of their strengths or weaknesses in any area, become part of the school community. How this is achieved will vary by student - based on the student and his/her family - but IDEA makes it clear that schools have a duty to educate children with disabilities in general education classrooms. Visit the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education for resources and ideas.

What are my child's educational rights?
First, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), requires a free and appropriate public education for all school age children who have disabilities that impact their education. Since 1975, this legislation has mandated that these students be educated in the least restrictive environment with any necessary supplementary aids and services.

Second, the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 now makes our schools accountable for improved educational outcomes for all students. While IDEA requires free and appropriate education, it sets no outcome goals. The NCLB specifically mandates testing and disaggregation of test results to show Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students, students from major racial and ethnic groups, and students with limited English proficiency.

For more information on your rights, read the "Blueprint on Inclusive Education in Maryland" and visit The Arc of Maryland website. Wrightslaw provides an accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.

The Arc of Southern Maryland's Educational Assistance can help you understand the law and exercise your rights.

About The Arc

Is The Arc a non-profit organization?
Yes. We are a tax-exempt nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors [link board] and incorporated in Maryland.

Who is eligible for The Arc services?
We serve families living in Calvert, St. Mary's and Charles Counties who have a child or children from the ages of birth to 22 years with a developmental disability and adults with developmental disabilities. For more information, see our Am I Eligible?

If you or the person you're seeking information for reside outside the three counties, contact The Arc of Maryland for other locations. We are part of The Arc's nationwide, non-profit organization with 160,000 members and 1,300 state and local chapters across the nation. Contact The Arc of Maryland at 1-800-860-0791 or http://www.thearcmd.org/index.html.

How many people receive support and services from The Arc of Southern Maryland?
The Arc of Southern Maryland is currently supporting more than 200 adults with developmental disabilities and 250 families of children with disabilities. In addition, we provide behavioral support services for 1,300 people with disabilities.

Does The Arc have jobs available?
Yes, we have opportunities! Visit our Employment Page [link to employment] for a current list, an online application and more information. We do offer benefits for full-time positions. Positions typically require a valid driver's license and the use of a personal vehicle. Other requirements may include a H.S. Diploma or equivalency, further education OR related personal/professional experience.

We also help individuals with developmental disabilities in finding the right job through our Partners in Business program. We assist employers in locating and hiring capable and motivated workers who have a disability and assist those individuals their success on the job.

How many people does The Arc of Southern Maryland employ?
The Arc of Southern Maryland employs approximately 350 people, half of whom are part-time and half of whom are full-time. The Arc of Southern Maryland is one of the major employers in Southern Maryland and contributors to the local economy.

Where does The Arc of Southern Maryland get its funding?
The major portion of The Arc of Southern Maryland's $12 million budget comes from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration, most of which is used to cover the bare necessities which make community living possible for people with developmental disabilities.

Additionally, donations and contributions which are used to provide funding for special needs for people comes from United Way, local businesses, private individuals, County Governments, and foundations.

When I contribute to The Arc of Southern Maryland, where does my money go?
Your contributions through both individual donations and special events, help pay for special programs, special needs or special projects for individuals with developmental disabilities. A few examples of these programs, needs and projects include:

• respite care services for families in need
• building a much-needed respite care facility
• helping someone live independently in their own home
• improving supported living homes
• helping someone with a disability express him/herself through music
• helping someone gain and keep a job for the first time
• developing cultural program
• funding for critically-needed adaptive equipment

How can I volunteer to help The Arc of Southern Maryland?
Volunteers make much of our work possible! Volunteers help in a variety of ways either working directly with people who have developmental disabilities or indirectly on our programs and in the office. Some jobs include: office assistance; helping with special events; providing transportation; grounds maintenance at residential sites; sharing talents. Learn more on how to get involved or call 410-535-2413, ext. 107 or email to jparran@arcsomd.org. with you have questions and to get an application.