DDD accepts Down syndrome diagnosis

Arizona’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) now offers services for individuals diagnosed with Down syndrome. The Down Syndrome Network spearheaded Arizona House Bill 2113 (AZ HB2113) co-sponsored by Representatives Michelle Udall (R) and Joel John (R) which passed the Arizona House and Senate with strong support. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey (R) signed the bill on March 30, 2022 which updates A.R.S. § 36-551 to include Down syndrome as a DDD-qualifier. The legislation adds Down syndrome to DDD’s list of eligible developmental disabilities, alongside cognitive disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and autism, and defines Down syndrome as “a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in extra genetic material from chromosome 21, affecting a person’s cognitive and physical abilities and causing developmental issues.”