Intellectual Disability

Intellectual Disability (ID)

Intellectual Disability (ID) is a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills.  This disability originates before the age of 18. (Definition from the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities)

Associations/Groups:

The Arc of the United States
The Arc is the premier provider of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and has a demonstrable record of success in achieving the outcomes people want for their lives.
1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1200
Washington DC, 20006
Phone: 202-534-3700 / 800-433-5255
Contact form

The Arc of  Massachusetts
217 South Street
Waltham, MA 02453
Phone: 781-891-6270
Email: [email protected]


Massachusetts Local Chapters

American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)
promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

8403 Colesville Road, Suite 900

Silver Spring, MD 20910

Phone: 202-387-1968

President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID)
The mission of PCPID is to provide advice and assistance to the President of the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on a broad range of topics that impact people with intellectual disabilities and the field of intellectual disabilities.
Office of the Commissioner, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Washington, DC
Phone: 202-795-7374

Regional Offices

The Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP)
ADDP is comprised of more than 130 member organizations. These community-based providers come from every region of Massachusetts and support thousands of individuals and families.
1671 Worcester Road, Suite 201
Framingham, MA 01701
Phone: 508-405-8000

Contact form
Member listing

Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
The Department is dedicated to creating, in partnership with others, innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate fully and meaningfully in, and contribute to, their communities as valued members.
1000 Washington St.
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-727-5608 (Voice) or 617-624-7783 (TTY) * ask the operator to give you the phone number for your local Area Office
Email: [email protected]

DDS Area Offices

DDS Family Support Centers 

Other Information:

Center for Parent Information and Resources Fact Sheet

Intellectual Disability – US National Library of Medicine

Fact Sheet last updated on: 3/22/2023

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Disclaimer: INDEX is pleased to provide you this information. Please note,  this information is not comprehensive, nor is it intended to take the place of professional advice. We encourage you to check other resources of such information. No endorsement by the University of Massachusetts Medical School, DisabilityInfo.org,  INDEX, or affiliates, should be inferred. We reserve the right to remove, to modify, or to add any information at any time, for any reason, and without notice.

Any information you may provide to update or further complete this information would be appreciated. Please contact us with comments. We appreciate your help.

Scroll to top