The surveys were conducted to identify the developmentally disabled, their characteristics, and geographic location; to identify problems preventing participation in services; to access the delivery system; to develop public awareness; and to establish a comprehensive system. Developmental disabilities are chronic disorders occurring before age 22 and include mental retardation, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, autism, blindness, deafness, muteness, physical impairment, spina bifida, and other severe diseases. Included are an introduction, the methodology, survey results, and appendices. The survey for the state was contracted by the Department to the Department of Sociology of the University of Ala., with J. Selwyn Hollinsworth as Project Director. Surveys for various counties were funded to mental health boards, etc. Some of the projects contain planning information also.
