Assigned to HHS FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1032
developmental disabilities; spina bifida.
Purpose
Expands the definition of developmental disability to include a severe, chronic disability
that is attributable to spina bifida for the purpose of receiving services through the Department of
Economic Security (DES) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).
Background
A developmental disability is either a strongly demonstrated potential that a child who is
under six years of age has or will develop a developmental disability, as determined by a prescribed
test or by other appropriate tests, or a severe, chronic disability that: 1) is attributable to a cognitive
disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Down syndrome or autism; 2) is manifested before the age of
18; 3) is likely to continue indefinitely; 4) reflects the need for a combination and sequence of
individually planned or coordinated special, interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment or other
services that are of lifelong or extended duration; and 5) results in substantial functional limitations
in three or more areas of major life activity. Areas of major life activity include: 1) self-care;
2) receptive and expressive language; 3) learning; 4) mobility; 5) self-direction; 6) capacity for
independent living; and 7) economic self-sufficiency (A.R.S. § 36-551).
The DES Director is responsible for developing and annually revising a statewide plan and
initiating statewide programs and services for persons with developmental disabilities. Services
include child, adult, residential and resource services. An Arizona resident with a developmental
disability, supported by medical and psychological documentation, is eligible to apply for
developmental disabilities programs, services and facilities operated, licensed and supervised by
DES (A.R.S. §§ 36-554 and 36-559).
DDD is the division of DES that empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to
lead self-directed, healthy and meaningful lives. DDD provides supports and services for eligible
Arizonans diagnosed with one of the following developmental disabilities: 1) autism; 2) cerebral
palsy; 3) epilepsy; 4) cognitive or intellectual disability; 5) Down syndrome; or 6) are under the
age of six and at risk of having a developmental disability. DDD serves more than 40,000 people
with developmental disabilities and their families throughout Arizona each year (DDD).
If there is a cost associated with expanding DDD services to provide for individuals with
spina bifida, there may be a fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Expands the definition of developmental disability to include a severe, chronic disability that
is attributable to spina bifida. FACT SHEET
S.B. 1032
Page 2
2. Defines spina bifida as a type of neural tube defect that occurs when a person's neural tube
fails to develop or close properly before birth and of which the severity depends on many
factors, including the size of the spinal opening and the location on the spine.
3. Makes conforming changes.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 12, 2023
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