Advances in medical research and technology:

Allow children born with disabilities to live a longer life span;

Engendered a large growth in the number of individuals who need on-going services and supports

An estimated 144,540 Illinois citizens have substantial developmental disabilities, including mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and related conditions

Twelve of every 1,000 children born will have a substantial developmental disability, likely to require life-long supports