Understanding Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (I/DD): What Families and Caregivers Should Know

What Are Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities are conditions that may affect learning, problem-solving, communication, behavior, physical development, or daily living skills. Some disabilities are present from birth, while others may become clearer as a child grows and reaches different developmental stages.

I/DD can look different from person to person. One person may need help with communication and daily routines. Another may need support with transportation, employment, community activities, or independent living skills. The right support should be based on the individual’s needs and preferences.

Intellectual Disability vs. Developmental Disability

The terms intellectual disability and developmental disability are related, but they do not always mean the same thing.

Intellectual Disabilities

An intellectual disability usually affects learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and adaptive skills. Adaptive skills are everyday skills people use to care for themselves, such as communicating, making decisions, and moving through daily life.

Developmental Disabilities

A developmental disability is a broader term. It may affect physical, intellectual, communication, social, or behavioral development. Some people have both an intellectual disability and a developmental disability.

Knowing the base terms for these conditions may feel helpful. Know that your experience is what matters most. Understanding what kind of support helps each person feel safe, capable, connected, and respected is the main goal of care.

How I/DD Can Affect Daily Living

I/DD can affect everyday routines. A task that seems simple on the surface, like getting ready for an appointment or going into a store, can actually involve several steps: extra communication, transportation, timing, sensory needs, decision-making, and emotional regulation. 

I/DD Support can help with:

• Cooking, cleaning, hygiene, and personal care
• Transportation to appointments, work, programs, or activities
• Communication and self-advocacy
• Budgeting, shopping, and decision-making
• Social skills and community participation
• Job readiness and workplace support
• Medication reminders and medical appointments
• Recreation, hobbies, and meaningful routines

These are simple things that make a big impact. They are the building blocks of confidence, independence, and quality of life.

What Else Families and Caregivers Should Know About I/DD Support

Families often carry more than people realize. They may be managing daily care, emotional support, appointments, paperwork, safety concerns, and long-term planning for loved ones on top of their own everyday care and routines.

The right I/DD support services can help families move from “I have to figure this out alone” to “We have a plan, and we know the next step.” Support is practical, steady, and personal. It should also adjust as needs change.

For some families, that means help at home. For others, it means employment support, transportation, respite care, or guidance through New Jersey’s Division of Developmental Disabilities system.

I/DD Support Services in New Jersey

Community Care Partners offers DDD-approved services designed to support individuals with I/DD and their families across New Jersey. 

Our services include:

• Community-Based Supports for daily living, independence, socialization, and community participation
• Individual Supports for one-on-one help at home or in the community
• Employment Supports for job readiness, resume help, workplace coaching, and on-the-job support
• Transportation to appointments, employment, programs, and community activities
• DDD Transition Services to help families apply for and enroll in New Jersey DDD programs
• Respite and family support services
• Family Hire Program options for families who want a trusted loved one involved in care

These services can help with everyday needs while also creating room for growth. With the right support, daily routines can become opportunities to practice independence and confidence.

Can Family Caregivers Get Paid in New Jersey?

In some cases, family members or trusted loved ones may be able to provide care and receive payment or reimbursement through approved programs. This can make caregiving more sustainable, especially when a loved one already depends on someone familiar for daily support.

Through our Family Hire Program, families may be able to hire and train a trusted caregiver as a Direct Support Professional. This can allow a person with I/DD to receive care from someone who already understands their routines, communication style, strengths, and needs.

Community Care Partners can help families understand whether this may be an option and what steps may be required. 

Learn more here: how to become a caregiver for a family member.

Help Navigating New Jersey DDD Services

New Jersey’s DDD system might feel confusing for families that need help. Community Care Partners help make the process clearer. Our team can guide families through I/DD services, help them understand available options, connect with support coordination, and work toward a care plan that fits the person’s goals.