1 DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES Presenter: Lynette Loges ADRC Project Coordinator and HowardCenter Developmental Services Senior Manager

2 Just a Little Background - 1  DEFINING DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES  Chronic, severe disability attributable to a mental or physical impairment (or combination) likely to continue indefinitely, and result in substantial functional limitations…

3 Just a Little Background - 2  Mental Retardation –Significantly sub-average general intellectual functioning, defined as an IQ of 74 or lower (federal definition), manifested during the developmental period conception through age 18. –Deficits in adaptive behavior.  Note: “Mental Retardation” is a DSM IV Diagnostic Category

4 Just a Little Background - 3  Adaptive Behavior –The effectiveness or degree with which individuals meet the standards of personal independence, self-care, and social responsibility expected for their age and cultural group.

5 Just a Little Background - 5  Levels of Mental Retardation –Mild: IQ to approximately 70 –Moderate: IQ to –Severe: IQ to –profound: IQ below  What’s wrong with this…? –Gardner’s “Multiple Intelligences” The whole person

6 DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY : some overlapping conditions  Cerebral Palsy  Epilepsy  Autism  Not everyone with CP, Epilepsy and Autism have DD, but percentages are higher  Mental retardation  (Learning disabilities )

7 Where have we been 1. Christmas in Purgatory 2. A brief reflection on Developmental Disability history

8 Federal and State Developmental Disability Programs Administration on Developmental Disabilities Health & Human Services (HHS) Medicaid Waiver ProgramsOffice on Disability

9 FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES  DD PRINCIPLES: –Self-determination –Community integration –“Dignity of risk”

10 Self-Advocacy Movement  Self-Advocates are growing in numbers  Promote Real Choices  A skill- tools are learned and shared  Increased awareness of possibilities, resources, strengths  Helps people find their own voice  Important for prevention of abuse

11 Integrated View of the Person  Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual  Need to combine all aspects of each of our lives into a whole  Harmful to separate out one piece for intervention, service, treatment, or even support  Importance of seeing the whole person in all areas of human services

12 DD CHALLENGES - 1  Attention span  Linear thinking  Speech difficulties  Lack of social amenities  Impulsivity at times  Repetitive behaviors  Unevenness of skills  Distractibility

13 DD CHALLENGES - 2  Memory issues  Confusion & fear  Pattern-bound  Limited insight on some matters  Self-abusive behaviors (small % of population)  Others?

14 DD STRENGTHS  Honesty  Humor  Multiple intelligences  Compassion  Love  Insight  Concrete view of the world  Others?

15 NEEDS  NEEDS: –Relationship –Intimacy –Health & Safety –Life meaning –Vocation –Leisure activities –Other?

16 HELPFUL HINTS FROM SELF-ADVOCATES COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY and needs to include:  a good awareness of the person’s communication style  ample time to respond to a question or remark  an awareness of preparation time and effort

17 Helpful Hints from Self Advocates-2  putting the person first, not the disability –person with a developmental disability –person with a cognitive disability  not assuming anything  interacting respectfully  and adapting communication, style or materials to an individual’s needs

18 Adapting Communication  active listening  face to face for those who need it  follow-up information in written or alternative formats  Ask people what works best for them  Learn how to use Telecommunications Relay Service or TTY

19 Adapting Materials  Large print (14 pint or larger in Verdana or another Sans-Serif font) and contrasting background font and font color for some  Visuals  If you use graphics, have text explanation for those who cannot see an image  Write general materials at fourth-grade level

20 Other Helpful Hints –Keep surroundings quiet & free from distractions –Make eye contact before you speak and use the person’s name often –Use simple language –Clearly identify yourself & explain why you are there –Give one direction or ask one question at a time

21 HELPFUL HINTS - 2  Have person repeat directions/instructions in their own words  Ask open-ended rather than yes/no questions  Be patient for response - pause  Avoid abstract question  Observe non-verbal behavior

22 Opportunities for Partnerships  open discussions about how to break down stigma  provision of accommodations  sharing resources  accessibility  Promotion of independence and choice making  Supporting the ADRC initiative