Assigned to HHS & APPROP 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
Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect that affects anywhere along the spine and is
usually present at birth. When the neural tube does not close all the way, the backbone that protects
the spinal cord does not form and close properly, often resulting in damage to the spinal cord and
nerves. Spina bifida can cause physical and intellectual disabilities that range from mild to severe
depending on the size and location of the opening in the spine and whether part of the spinal cord
and nerves are affected (CDC).
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 Director of DES 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 support 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; and 5) Down syndrome. Children under
the age of six who are at risk of having a developmental disability may also qualify for services.
DDD serves more than 40,000 people with developmental disabilities and their families throughout
Arizona each year (DDD). FACT SHEET
S.B. 1032
Page 2
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.
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 27, 2023
MM/MC/slp