Carlos Moorhead: “Mr. Speaker, developmental disabilities are severe, chronic disabilities, either physical, mental, or a combination…”

“Mr. Speaker, developmental disabilities are severe, chronic disabilities, either physical, mental, or a combination, which manifest themselves before a person reaches age 22. These disabilities result in substantial limitations in three or more major life areas, such as learning, mobility, and capacity for independent living. There are currently about 3 million individuals with developmental disabilities in the United States. The developmental disabilities assistance and bill of rights act authorizes four programs: The State grant program; protection and advocacy systems; university affiliated programs; and projects of national significance. These programs work to support the development of a comprehensive system of services and support for people with developmental disabilities. I am very pleased that language addressing the concerns of the voice of the retarded were incorporated in the conference report.”