The term "developmental disability" refers to a disability that is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or a combination of mental and physical impairments which are manifested before the age of 22 and are likely to continue indefinitely. It results in substantial functional limitation in three or more of the following areas: self care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. It also reflects a need for interdisciplinary services of a lifelong or extended duration that are individually planned and coordinated.

Students with the above diagnosis may also be labeled according to a specific diagnosis such as mental retardation, seizure disorder, cerebral palsy, and head injury. However, every person with these labels is not considered developmentally disabled. The label applies only to those where the impact of the disability is substantial, functional limitation in three or more areas of living.

Because community colleges are "open-door" institutions, students who are diagnosed as developmentally disabled can enroll in college classes. They must meet the same entrance requirements, or prerequisites, that all students must meet. They come to the college with the same variety of reasons for enrollment that we see in all students. Some will choose to audit classes rather than take them for credit. Others may choose to repeat classes in order to allow for the time needed to reach their educational goals.

Accommodations

• Assistance with course selections, registration and campus orientation.
• Regularly scheduled contact with Disabilty Services counselor.
• Suggest that the student consider auditing classes.