Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities

"The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DD), established in 1974, serves a population that has developmental disabilities such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, head injuries, autism, epilepsy, and certain learning disabilities. Such conditions must have occurred before age 22, with the expectation that they will continue. To be eligible for services from the Division, persons with these disabilities must be substantially limited in their ability to function independently.

On October 16, 2008 Governor Matt Blunt signed an executive order officially changing the name of the Division of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities to the Division of Developmental Disabilities. The executive order does not change the division’s mission, or impact those eligible for services or those receiving services from the division or contract providers. Many self advocates and family members have been advocating for this change for years and the change is consistent with the division's statutory obligation to decrease stigma.

The Division improves the lives of persons with developmental disabilities through programs and services to enable those persons to live independently and productively. In 1988, the Division began participation in the Medicaid home and community-based waiver program, designed to help expand needed services throughout the state."