Linking You to a Network of Help

What is a developmental disability?

According to the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities, "The federal definition of developmental disabilities covers persons whose disability occurs before age 22 and includes a mental or physical impairment or a combination of both. There must be a substantial limitation in three or more of these major life areas: self-care; expressive or receptive language; learning; mobility; capacity for independent living; economic self-sufficiency; or self-direction.

"In California law, a developmental disability is more narrowly defined as occurring before the age of 18 and includes specific categories of eligible conditions: intellectual disability, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, and 'conditions requiring services similar to those required for persons with intellectual disability.' California law requires that the individual be substantially handicapped by the disability. In March 2004, new regulations took effect that define substantial disability as significant functional limitations in three or more of the major life activities contained in the federal definition above."

UCP's goal is to empower you and your family to live life without limits by providing comprehensive programs and maintaining a strong network of support for families with developmental disabilities like autism, epilepsy, intellectual disability, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy. Following are several resources:


Taking the First Step

When a child is diagnosed with a developmental disability, there are four main steps parents can take to ensure their child—and the whole family—has caring support and can live life without limits.

Step 1: Learn all you can from your physician and make sure to ask questions, such as:

View this video, featuring Dr. Dennis Hart, for more information on first steps to take.

Step 2: Join a parent support group, which are often disability specific:

Step 3: Contact Alta Regional Center and Warmline Resource Center for more resources.

Step 4: Ask your support group, physician or regional center about early intervention.

Step 5: Contact us! We’re here to help your child live life without limits.

 

Support

My Child Without Limits
Created by UCP National, the site helps parents of children ages 0 to 5 who are newly diagnosed with a developmental disability. This online resource provides critical information and connects parents to a vital social network.

California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
The State of California partners with 21 nonprofit regional centers, as well as multiple state-operated developmental centers and community facilities, to provide services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

United Cerebral Palsy, National
UCP of Greater Sacramento is affiliated with the national organization that continues to be a leading source of information and a pivotal advocate for people with developmental disabilities.

List of services and providers in California
This comprehensive list of service providers gives people with developmental disabilities and their families access to a wealth of information and resources.

A Touch of Understanding

 

Advocacy

California Legislative Information, Bill Info
Stay up-to-date on the latest legislation affecting people with developmental disabilities. The site includes a tracking device to check on the status of existing bills.

Department of Finance California
This site includes detailed information on the state’s budget, including funding for groups working with people who have developmental disabilities.

California State Senate
Keep in touch with your state senate representatives to ensure people with developmental disabilities are top of mind.

California State Assembly
Ensure your state assembly representatives are up to date on issues affecting people with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Alliance for Full Participation
This group of 14 leading organizations serving people with developmental disabilities, including UCP, works together to ensure people with developmental disabilities can live meaningful, productive and personally satisfying lives in their community of choice.

Neurotech Network
Neurotech Network is a nonprofit working to improve education about and advocacy for access to neurotechnology for people with disabilities.

 

Education

Frequently Asked Questions
about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act