A developmental disability:

• is a disability that a person is born with or that begins before he or she turns 18
• permanently limits a person's ability to learn
• can be mild or severe.

People with a developmental disability may learn, understand or remember things at a slower pace than others. This can affect their personal care, language skills and their ability to live without support.

Who has a developmental disability?

About one per cent of Ontarians have a developmental disability. Some people with a developmental disability were born with Down syndrome. Some were born with fetal alcohol syndrome. Some have autism.

Others may have had an illness or accident before they turned 18, which limited their intellectual development.

People with a developmental disability can still participate fully in their communities. They can be great athletes, artists, workers, advocates, neighbours and friends. They're an important part of the community and contribute to the strength of our diverse province.