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Developmental disability is an umbrella term referring to disabilities present before an individual reaches 22 years of age. Examples of developmental disabilities are cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, hearing loss, Down syndrome, mental retardation, spinal injury or brain injury. Cognitive disabilities refer to any disability affecting mental processes. Examples include mental retardation, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, Alzheimer's disease, aphasia, brain injury, language delay, and learning disabilities. Remember that many individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities may not have limited intellectual functioning. Those that do may require accommodation. Depending on the needs of the individual and the nature of the disability, accommodation may include: having the court and witnesses talk slowly or write things down; when necessary, repeating information using different wording or a different communication approach, allowing time for information to be fully understood; presenting information in a clear, concise, concrete and simple manner; when necessary, taking periodic breaks; presenting tasks in a step-by-step manner, letting the individual perform each step after explanation; scheduling court proceedings at a different time to meet the medical needs of the individual; providing a coach or support person at the proceeding; or allowing videotaped testimony or the use of video conferencing technology in lieu of a personal appearance.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will prepare and issue the child’s new birth certificate.  

Vital Records, Birth Unit 
4300 Cherry Creek Drive 
South Denver, Colorado 80246-1530 
(303) 692-2200 
Link to Website: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/vitalrecords 

Steps to a new birth certificate

Step 1 

Complete a Report of Adoption Form found on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website or by clicking on this link: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/adoption-information A report of Adoption must be completed for each child that has been adopted. Fill it out very carefully! This form will be used to create the new birth certificate. A form with cross outs and white out over mistakes will not be accepted. 

Step 2 

Submit the original Report of Adoption Form and 2 additional copies to the court on the date of the adoption hearing. The court will certify the Report of Adoption and send it along with a certified copy of the Final Decree to the Colorado Vital Records Division. 

Step 3 

Vital Records Division will process a new birth certificate. The Vital Records Division will contact you within 4-6 weeks of the hearing and ask the adoptive parents to:

• Complete a Vital Records application
• Provide photo identification of the adopting parents
• Pay a processing and a birth certificate fee