Every person has the ability to become a lifelong learner. The most important factor in becoming a lifelong learner comes from the direct influence of mentors and guardians who care for children throughout their developmental years. Together, they come up with the best plan of action to teach each individual student how to learn best, in the hope that the influence of lifelong learning habits will be incorporated into their worldview when they become adults. There are some people in society who believe that the person with developmental disabilities is not capable of becoming a lifelong learner due to his or her disabilities. Over the last century, research into early intervention education programs has shown these unwarranted beliefs to be incorrect. These programs and services provided to the young exceptional learning community enable students to achieve their academic goals at the same level as their general education peers. This particular type of disability is caused by congenital defects. Birth defects cause serious problems with a person's physical structure and usually affect multiple body part systems. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2011) talks about specific developmental delays such as nervous system disabilities (Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, autism spectrum disorders), sensory disabilities (congenital rubella, Williams syndrome, fragile X syndrome), metabolic disability disorders (phenylketonuria, hypothyroidism) and degenerative disorders (Rett syndrome). Many of these delayed developmental disorders are incurable, but support programs exist to help treat the negative effects caused by these disorders. Since the root of the disability cannot be resolved, doc...... middle of document ......-intervention.htmlCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Developmental disabilities. Retrieved May 8, 2012, from: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/resources.htmOffice for Civil Rights. (2011). Transitioning students with disabilities to postsecondary education: A guide for high school teachers. US Department of Education. Retrieved May 8, 2012, from: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transitionguide.htmlRipley, S. (2008). Intervention: the sooner the better. Excellence Learning Corporation. Retrieved May 8, 2012, from: http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=122National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2011). Developmental disabilities. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved May 8, 2012, from: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/developmental_disabilities.cfm