Definitions
'Intellectual Disability' is a developmental disability that results in a learning deficit, or a reduced capacity to learn. Intellectual disability is not an illness or disease and cannot be cured. Intellectual disability should not be confused with mental illness.

Developmental Disability means a severe, chronic disability attributable to a mental or physical impairment or a combination of mental and physical impairments likely to continue indefinitely and result in substantial functional limitations in any of the following areas of major life activity:

• Self care
• Receptive and expressive language
• Learning
• Mobility
• Self-direction
• Capacity for independent living
• Economic sufficiency
   

Developmental disabilities originate in the developmental period and are likely to continue throughout the life span of a person.

'Developmental Period' means up to the age of eighteen years.

'Mental Illness' includes problems of personality and behavioural disorders. A person who has a mental illness may respond to therapy and recover.

Acronyms
The following abbreviations may appear in this website: