What aspect of functioning must be impacted for a person to qualify for services from the Developmental Disabilities Administration?

To qualify for services from the Developmental Disabilities Administration, it is necessary for a person to experience significant challenges in intellectual and adaptive functioning. Intellectual functioning refers to general cognitive capacity, which includes reasoning, problem-solving, and understanding complex ideas. Adaptive functioning relates to the practical skills required for daily living, such as communication, self-care, social skills, and the ability to live independently.

Services provided by the Developmental Disabilities Administration are aimed specifically at individuals who have substantial limitations in these areas, which often leads to the need for support and intervention. By focusing on both intellectual and adaptive functioning, the assessment can accurately reflect the individual’s ability to manage day-to-day activities and their overall quality of life.

Other functioning areas, such as physical, social, emotional, vision, and hearing, may also influence an individual's experience but are not the primary criteria for qualifying for these specific services. Thus, it's the combination of challenges in intellectual and adaptive functioning that directly correlates with eligibility for assistance from the Administration.