Introduction to Developmental Disabilities

Developmental Disability P.L Developmental Disability Act Definition –The term “developmental disability” means a severe, chronic disability of a person that: is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments; is manifested before the person attains age 22; is likely to continue indefinitely;

Developmental Disabilities Results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: –Self-Care –Receptive and Expressive Language –Learning –Mobility –Self-Direction –Capacity for Independent Living, and economic self- sufficiency Reflects the person’s need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic care, treatment or other services that are life-long or of extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.

Developmental Disabilities 4 major types of developmental disabilities: –Mental Retardation –Epilepsy –Autism –Cerebral Palsy **All people with developmental disabilities have more in common with the general population than differences.

Causes Before Birth During Birth After Birth Genetic Disorders Metabolic Disorders

U.S. History of Services 1600’s-1700’s: No Services (Forsaken/Hidden) Mid 1800’s: Training Schools Early 1900’s: Custodial Care 1950’s-1960’s: Activities 1970’s: Institutional Reform (Education/Habilitation) 1980’s: Deinstitutionalization & Community Inclusion 1990’s: Non-Facility Based Services

Mental Retardation Definition: The American Association of Mental Retardation IQ of less than 70 (Deficits in intellectual functioning), Deficits in adaptive behavior, and Occurs during the development period - before the age of 18 Mental Retardation responds best to: Education Training Support

Mental Retardation A Functional Definition People with Mental Retardation are likely to: –Learn more slowly –Retain less –Have difficulty applying what they learn to new situations –Think more concretely –Learn and develop throughout their lives

Causes of Mental Retardation Genetic Social Physiological

Can have extremely high intellect Can occur at any age Can be caused by emotional trauma Some types can be cured Disorder of thought processes Below average intellectual functioning Begins prior to age 18 Cannot be caused by emotional trauma Is not “cured” Development is slower Mental Retardation VS Mental Illness

Cerebral Palsy Cerebral = Brain Palsy = Muscle Control Caused by damage to the brain. Approximately 500,000 Americans have Cerebral Palsy. Approximately 5,000 babies are diagnosed each year. Problems with muscle coordination (not an inability) Three Main Types Spastic - Tight Rigid Muscles, Movement is Difficult, Abnormal Positions Athetoid - Involuntary Flailing Movements Mixed Type - Combination of Spastic and Athetoid Movements There is no cure for Cerebral Palsy.

Autism affects approx. 5 Out of Every 10,000 Births Individuals with autism may exhibit the following characteristics: Difficulty forming social relationships Develop attachments to inanimate objects Display self-injurious behavior Engage in rocking, ritualistic hand movements or sudden crying / laughing without noticeable cause Verbalize non-reality based verbalizations. There is no cure for autism. AUTISM

EPILEPSY (Seizures) About 1% of the population has epilepsy. It is characterized by recurring seizures. It is due to a discharge of excess electrical energy in the brain. May be preceded by an “aura” - an unusual sensation of taste, smell, sight, sound, or physical disturbance. About 50% control seizures with medication Some with epilepsy can drive cars (if they meet the requirements)

EPILEPSY 3 Common Types –Tonic Clonic –Absence –Complex Partial During a Seizure: –Immediately leave undisturbed –Remove anything that could cause injury –Loosen restrictive clothing

Self- Actualization Esteem Social Safety Physiological Lower- Level Needs Higher- Level Needs Meet needs in order of hierarchy. Lowest level unsatisfied need is the most powerful need. Needs Hierarchy

Perception: Person Seen as a Child Treatment of Person Treated Childishly Given Children’s Possessions Called by Childish Nickname Time Structured in Childish Ways Self-Perception Thinks of self as a Child Behavior of Person Acts in a Childish Manner Incompetent Dependent

Handicapism is a theory and set of practices that promote unequal and unjust treatment of people because of apparent or assumed physical or mental disability. Biklen & Bogdan (1976) Handicapism

Language is a reflection of how people see each other. That’s why the words we use can make a difference. We want to choose language that reflects the dignity of people with disabilities; words that put the person first, rather than the disability. Think “People First” People First Language

Common words and definitions –Impairment - abnormalities of body structure or appearance, as well as abnormal functioning of various parts or organ systems (blindness, deafness) –Disability - consequence of an impairment –Handicap - ways in which the disability or impairment affects an individual mentally, socially and emotionally.

The First Impression Makes a Lasting Impression!

Interacting w/People with Disabilities Look at the person, not the staff Talk to the person. If you didn’t hear or understand, don’t act like you did. Don’t use “we” talk. Greet the way you normally greet others. Don’t treat adults as children. If you don’t understand what a person said, tell them and ask them to repeat it. If you still don’t understand, ask if there is someone around who can help. Knock before you enter a person’s room or home. Be respectful of any aids a person uses.

Use body language. Find the best way to communicate. Rephrase rather than keep repeating. Get the person’s attention first. Face the person. Speak in a normal tone of voice. Interacting with People That Have Hearing Impairments

Avoid noisy situations. Tell the person if you don’t understand. Offer to access other aids to assist in getting the message across. Speak in a normal tone and volume to the person. Wait for the person to finish. Interacting with People with Speech Difficulties

Offer your arm if walking. Be respectful of any aids the person may use (guide dogs or cane). Identify yourself. Let the person know before you leave them. Assist them to understand what you are seeing in the environment. Interacting with People with Visual Impairments

Stand a few feet away. Find a place to sit down. Don’t touch the equipment unless you are assisting the person. Check ahead for accessibility. Don’t treat adults as children. Be careful when assisting. Interacting with People That Use a Wheelchair

My Action Plan For Supporting People with Disabilities The attitudes I need to change. The things I can do to help promote positive attitudes about people with disabilities.