After decades of dependence on state-run institutions, we have reason to celebrate. We began 2001 with no one with developmental disabilities living in an institution in our state.

For some, this may seem like a minor accomplishment.

But for those who know where we've been, who know how people with developmental disabilities were treated in the past, this milestone is just short of miraculous.

Developmental disabilities refer to severe, chronic impairments that occur before age 22, that are likely to continue indefinitely, and result in substantial functional limitations. Developmental disabilities affect approximately 1.6% of the national population.