The Arc Mercer serves people with mental retardation and physical disabilities, which both fall under what is termed “cognitive disability.”

The New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities has set several criteria that establish the presence of mental retardation and developmental
disability.

Mental Retardation

An IQ of less than 70, demonstrated as follows:

1. The individual has an IQ score of 60 to 69; and
   
   
   1. There is an impairment in adaptive behavior and/or
   2. There is a chronic medical problem; and/or
   3. There is an impairment in behavior, sensory or motor function and in the ability to perform basic skills; or
      
      
2. The person has an IQ score of 59 or below.

1. Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental or physical impairments;
2. Is manifest before the age of 22;
3. Is likely to continue indefinitely;
4. Results in substantial functional limitations, before the age of 22, in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction and capacity for independent living or economic self-sufficiency; and
5. Reflects the need for a combination and sequence of special interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment or other services, which are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.
6. Developmental disability includes but is not limited to severe disabilities attributable to mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, spina bifida and other neurological impairments where the above criteria are met.