Developmental disabilities are severe chronic disabilities that can be cognitive or physical or both. The disabilities appear before the age of 22 and are likely to be lifelong. Some developmental disabilities are largely physical issues, such as cerebral palsy or epilepsy. Some individuals may have a condition that includes a physical and intellectual disability, for example Down syndrome.

As a Senate Bill 40 Board, The Productive Living Board is bound by Missouri State Statute definitions (i.e. 630.005 & 178.900 Revised Statutes State of Missouri) of a developmental disability that is attributable to:

• Intellectual Disability
• Cerebral Palsy
• Autism
• Epilepsy
• A learning disability related to brain dysfunction
• An individual who has substantial functional limitations in at least two of the following life areas: self-care, understanding and communicating language, learning, self-direction, living independently or being economically self-sufficient, physical mobility

“Intellectual disability” replaced the term “mental retardation” and encompasses the cognitive part of a developmental disability, that is, a disability that is broadly related to thought processes. Because intellectual and other developmental disabilities often co-occur, intellectual disability professionals often work with people who have both types of disabilities.

There are three major criteria for determining an intellectual disability: significant limitations in intellectual functioning (determined by an IQ test), significant limitations in adaptive behavior (social, conceptual, and practical skills), and onset before the age of 18.

If you are interested in learning more about a PLB funded service that is listed on our website you can either contact the agency that provides that service directly or by click here to visit the IDD Gateway Resouce Guide.

St. Louis County residents may be eligible to receive services from Productive Living Board if they have a diagnosed developmental disability.

The disability must appear before the person is 22 years old and reflect the person’s need for individually planned and coordinated services throughout life or for an extended period.

PLB invests in agencies with a demonstrated history of success. We enter into funding partnerships that we intend to be long-term because uninterrupted services to individuals and their families lead to the most positive outcomes, and this is more readily achievable when agencies receive predictable funding.

Agencies that currently receive funding from Productive Living Board are not guaranteed funding in the next fiscal year. All agencies are required to reapply for funding each year so that we can regularly assess their impact and determine if additional support is warranted. This evaluation process ensures all agencies are held to high standards and accountable for the funds they receive from taxpayers through the Productive Living Board.