DRC Programs
Protection & Advocacy for Developmental Disabilities (PADD)
PADD advocates for the rights of persons with developmental disabilities. Under Federal law, a "developmental disability" is defined as: "A severe, chronic condition which is manifested before age 22, is likely to continue indefinitely, results in substantial functional limitations of at least three areas of major life activity and results in the need for a combination and sequence of several kinds of services".
We place a high value on empowerment as an outcome of our assistance to individuals. In keeping with this philosophy, our initial response to callers is usually to inform, to educate, and to provide short-term assistance to enable persons to advocate successfully on their own behalf. Longer-term advocacy is available as needed, in accordance with the Annual Program Priorities, and legal representation can be provided to clients whose cases may benefit large numbers of persons with disabilities.
PADD routinely monitors services provided in Human Development Centers and in community-based programs for persons with developmental disabilities. This monitoring includes review of all incident reports and incident investigations. When warranted, PADD conducts an independent incident investigation. PADD also provides information, referral, and short-term assistance on behalf of students with developmental disabilities in public schools.
What is a "Developmental Disability"?
- In general
The term "developmental disability" means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that -
- is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments;
- is manifested before the individual attains age 22;
- is likely to continue indefinitely;
- results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity:
- self-care,
- receptive and expressive language,
- learning,
- mobility,
- self-direction,
- capacity for independent living, and
- economic self-sufficiency; and
- reflects the individual's need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, individualized supports, or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.
- Infants and young children
An individual from birth to age 9, inclusive, who has a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition, may be considered to have a developmental disability without meeting 3 or more of the criteria described in clauses (i) - (v) of the above if the individual, without services and supports, has a high probability of meeting those criteria later in life.
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PADD services are funded by the Administration for Developmental Disabilities (ADD), and are provided free of charge.
Federally mandated protection and advocacy (P&A) system for Arkansans with disabilities
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