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I/DD Definition & Common Terms

Learn terms and other information that relates to individuals with intellectual or other developmental disabilities (I/DD). See also our Essential Organizations and Critical Services pages.

Definition of I/DD

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services provides this definition. A developmental disability:

  • Is chronic
  • Begins at birth or during childhood
  • Adversely affects an individual's daily living and functioning

Developmental disabilities can be caused by a mental impairment, a physical impairment or a combination of both mental and physical. This can result in limited functions, including:

  • Caring for oneself
  • Difficulties with communication
  • Difficulties with learning
  • Difficulties with mobility or moving around
  • Difficulties making decisions for oneself
  • Difficulties living independently
  • Being financially self-sufficient

If you have been diagnosed with a developmental disability, you can benefit from comprehensive, long-term services and live a more independent life. If you were diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury by the age of 22, you may be eligible for IDD services. Please refer to G.S. 122C-3(12a).

Read more, including links to more resources, on the NCDHHS website.

Commonly Used I/DD Terms

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

A federal law providing comprehensive civil rights protections for individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, sex, national origin and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services and telecommunications. See also the relevant Federal Civil Rights Law section for a brief discussion of the ADA.

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Personal care assistants, home care aides, or staff in community residential supports programs that assist people with disabilities with medications, preparing and eating meals, dressing, mobility, and handling daily affairs.

Early Intervention

Services for children with or at risk for developmental disabilities, delays or atypical development. Services may address communication, motor, cognitive, self-help and social-emotional development. Early intervention also includes assisting families in fully accessing community resources such as child service coordination, assistive technology, and speech, physical and occupational therapy.

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

HCBS programs offer different service choices to qualifying individuals with disabilities who have Medicaid. Services are provided in your home and community to support independence.

Inclusion

The term ‘‘inclusion’’, used with respect to individuals with developmental disabilities, means the acceptance and encouragement of the presence and participation of individuals with developmental disabilities, by individuals without disabilities, in social, educational, work, and community activities, that enables individuals with developmental disabilities to— (A) have friendships and relationships with individuals and families of their own choice; (B) live in homes close to community resources, with regular contact with individuals without disabilities in their communities; (C) enjoy full access to and active participation in the same community activities and types of employment as individuals without disabilities; and (D) take full advantage of their integration into the same community resources as individuals without disabilities, living, learning, working, and enjoying life in regular contact with individuals without disabilities. (114 STAT. 1682 PUBLIC LAW 106–402—OCT. 30, 2000)

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

A written plan for children with disabilities who receive services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) through the public school system. The plan details the child’s current level of performance, measurable goals, ways in which these goals will be accomplished, and the frequency and duration of the services and supports to be provided.

Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)

A written plan for providing early intervention services to preschool children with developmental disabilities, preschool children at risk for developmental disabilities or preschool children experiencing a developmental delay and to their families.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Originally P.L. 94-142 Education for all Handicapped Children Act mandating that state and local education agencies provide a free, appropriate public education and related services to all 'handicapped' children. Subsequent amendments provide for secondary education and transition services and for funds on research, training, and demonstration in transition from school to adult life. IDEA also includes Part H (Early Intervention Programs for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities).

LME/MCOs

LME/MCOs, or Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organizations manage NC Medicaid Tailored Plans, coordinate certain services for NC Medicaid Direct beneficiaries, and coordinate certain services for EBCI Tribal Option members. There is one LME/MCO for each county. Learn more about LME-MCOs.

Medicaid 1915(i) Services

1915(i) services are for children and adults with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, traumatic brain injuries or intellectual/developmental disabilities. Learn more about 1915(i) services

NC Innovations Waiver

The NC Innovations Waiver is a federally approved 1915(c) Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver designed to meet the needs of individuals with Intellectual or Development Disabilities (I/DD) who prefer to get long term care services and supports in their home or community, rather than in an institutional setting.

The Medicaid Innovations Waiver supports individuals with I/DD in living the life they choose. Waiver services are administered by a local management entity/managed care organization (LME/MCO) which facilitate services and oversee a network of community-based service providers. Individuals who receive waiver funding work with their team to develop a person-centered plan of care and request the services and supports they need. More information about the NC Innovations Waiver.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Funds available to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system and who are too disabled to work according to Social Security guidelines.  This differs from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) generally in that SSI recipients have not worked previously.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Direct, monthly cash payments to provide minimum income for individuals who meet a financial-needs test and who are elderly, blind or have a disability.

NCCDD Publications

The following publications were created by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities. 

NCCDD's Monthly Newsletter

Brochures

About the Council