Developmental Disabilities Program Special Education Services

It is important to note that special education and the services provided through the DD Program are different. Special education is specially designed instruction provided by school districts. The DD Program provides for services and supports in the person’s community or in the home that enable the individual and their family to avoid institutional placements and participate in community life. For those who qualify, the DD Program operates within the limits of appropriation while special education is an entitlement.

The numbers below reflect students with orthopedic impairments, health impairments, deaf/blindness, mental retardation, autism, traumatic brain injury, and multiple disabilities. For the most part the numbers are consistent with a condition likely to result in a developmental disability.

Examples of types of developmental disabilities are mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, and seizure disorder. Mental illness and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome may also be developmental disabilities. However, the disability must result in substantial functional limitations and meet the other criteria in the definition in order to qualify as a DD.

The Department of Education and Early Development reports for FY 01 that:

• The number of students in special education with developmental disabilities graduating from high school with a regular diploma is 74;
• The number of students in special education with developmental disabilities dropping out of high school before reaching age 22 is 33; and
• The number of students in special education with developmental disabilities reaching the age of 22 who do not graduate from high school with a regular diploma but receive a Certificate of Completion is 4.