Developmental disability is a broad term to describe an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior. Most developmental disabilities begin before a baby is born, but some can happen after birth because of injury, infection, or other factors. These conditions may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person's lifetime.
Developmental disabilities occur among all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Recent estimates in the United States show that about one in six, or about 17%, of children aged 3 through 17 years have one or more developmental disabilities.
It is important that we as a society include people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, and help break down the barriers that people with disabilities face in connecting to the communities in which they live. We must ensure that persons with developmental disabilities have access to programs and services in their communities and are included in the same way persons without disabilities are.
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) encourages everyone to celebrate and showcase the excellent work that is being done around the country to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. NACDD encourages sharing how you are raising awareness and making a difference by using the hashtag #DDawareness2021 on social media.
Find information at the Department of Family Services Disability Rights and Resources. Subscribe to the DFS Access Fairfax e-newsletter: news for people with disabilities and people who care for people with disabilities.
Visit the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board for information about services to help people with developmental disabilities live, work and take part in our community.
Learn more from the Neighborhood and Community Services for information about therapeutic recreation services for children and adults with disabilities.
Visit The Arc of Northern Virginia, for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
