Cultural Sensitivity An awareness and respect of the differences in values, mores, and customs that accompany diverse ethic and cultural backgrounds and of the impact these differences may have on choices people with disabilities and/or their families may make.

Developmental Disability A severe, chronic disability of a person which:
a. is attributable to mental or physical impairment or a combination of these impairments.

b. is manifested before the person attains age 22, unless the disability is caused by a traumatic head injury and is manifested after age 22.

c. is likely to continue indefinitely.

d. results in substantial functional limitations in 3 or more of the following areas of major life activity: self care, receptive and expressive language, capacity for independent living, learning, mobility, self-direction and economic self-sufficiency;

and:

e. reflects the person’s need for a combination and sequence of special interdisciplinary, or generic care, treatment or other services which are of a lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated; or,

f. children under three who are at risk for developmental disabilities, delays, or atypical development.

g. children under five with a developmental delay in one or more of the following areas: cognitive, physical, communication, social- emotional, or adaptive skills.

Facility-Based Services These are services which take place in a building or setting designed primarily for persons with disabilities. Examples include group homes or sheltered workshops.

Family Support An effort to provide a community-based framework for promoting the flow of resources and supports (through both formal and informal means) to people with disabilities and their families in ways that have empowering consequences and therefore, aid people with disabilities and their families in becoming more capable and competent. The credo of Family Support is "Whatever it takes, no more, no less." DD Family Support Programs in our state are governed by boards consisting of 75 percent or more persons with disabilities and/or their families.

Human Rights It is the policy of the State to assure basic human rights to each client of a facility. These rights include the right to dignity, privacy, humane care and freedom from mental and physical abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Each facility shall assure to each client the right to live as normally as possible while receiving care and treatment (services and support).

ICF-MR/DD (Intermediate Care Facility for Person with Mental Retardation /Developmental Disabilities) A type of residential facility that serves persons with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities who have substantial and often complex service needs. A wide array of habilitative, medical, and other related services are provided in group living settings, ranging in size from 5 bed group homes to the large, state operated Mental Retardation Centers. A federal agency, the Health Care Financing Administration, establishes standards and provides funding through Medicaid. At the state level, the Division of Facility Services monitors compliance with the federal standards . Both children and adults are served.

Inclusion This refers to early intervention or other children’s services that allow for planned and on-going contact between children with disabilities and those who are typically developing. Examples include placing children with disabilities in regular day care settings and providing the necessary support in those settings.

Informed Choice Choice about services and supports made by people with disabilities and/or their families with complete information as to all of the options available, both formal and informal. These options are based on the identified need, as opposed to a preexisting menu of services.

Person-Centered Planning An approach to planning services for an individual with developmental disabilities based on the individual's needs, in order to help the individual make choices and decisions, and respect those decisions. The person and those who know the person best are central to the planning process. Person centered planning is an on-going process which helps a person to achieve their vision for the future.

Respite A support or service that brings relief to families from the stress of daily round-the-clock care of a family member with a disability. Respite services can be provided in the family’s home. There are also center-based respite options. In addition, a voucher system (which provides families with cash vouchers so they can arrange for the service and choose their own provider) is another option.

Self Determination A means for people with disabilities to determine their own futures through the use of self-directed supports and control of financial resources paying for those supports. The Self-Determination movement in the U.S. is based on Freedom, Authority, Support and Responsibility.

Supported Employment A service that provides support for individuals 16 and older with developmental disability, mental illness or substance abuse disorders to prepare the individual to work as independently as possible.