Projected impact of the functional definition of developmental disabilities: the categorically disabled population...

Indicators of substantial limitation in seven life activity areas defined in P.L. 95-602 were generated from a comprehensive needs assessment/screening instrument used in New York State. These indicators were then applied to a data base of over 35,000 individuals having one or more of the categorical developmental disabilities of autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, mental retardation, or other neurological impairments. Results of this analysis suggest that potential inclusion within the functional developmental disabilities definition of P.L. 95-602 varies as a function of categorical disability, age, and level of intellectual functioning. Implications of these findings for access to services were discussed.