RESPECT for the Disabled ~ The only disability in life is a bad attitude. ~ Scott Hamilton

What are Intellectual Disabilities? Umbrella term for many types of disabilites that affect a person’s intellectual development. Three main types: Mental Retardation, Down Syndrome, Autism Broad range: mild or severe

What are the Causes of Intellectual Disabilities? Genetic Pregnancy problems (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome), drugs/smoking, illness, environment, poor nutrition/pre-natal care Birth trauma (cord around neck, etc.)

Mental Retardation Negative stigma Clinical diagnosis: IQ of 75 or below, no definining physical characterristics Those with MR can often function well in society if given the proper aid and training

Down Syndrome Genetic condition Caused by an error in cell division resulting in an extra chromosome (21) 1 in 800 live births Causes delays in physical and intellectual development Physical traits: low muscle tone, single crease in hand, upward slant to eyes, flattened facial profile, heart problems.

Autism Severe impairment of social and communication skills Varying degrees of severity (10% have Asperger’s Disorder Characteristics: resisitance to change, little or no response to verbal communication, easily distressed, difficulty expressing needs, attachments to objects, monotone voice. Four times more common in boys than girls Growth rate is % every five years

What are physical disabilities? An impairment is a problem in body function or structure (movement, feeling, speech) Skeletal (spinal cord injury, etc.) or neuro- muscular (Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, etc.) Wide range: mild or severe

Disability Etiquette Be patient (be aware of lengthy response times, extra time needed to complete tasks) When speech is challenging to understand, never pretend to understand. Ask questions with short answers. Repeat what you understand. Ask them to repeat themselves. Be encouraging!

Disability Etiquette continued….. Don’t assume they need help; ask first. When talking with someone in a wheelchair, speak directly to them at eye level (get on their level). Don’t lean on, or manipulate, a person’s wheelchair (it is an extension of their personal space). When greeting a person who is blind, identify your location and name. Treat them with same courtesy and respect you would treat others. Those with disabilities have the same needs and hopes that you or I have.

Americans With Disability Act Protects rights and opportunities for those with disabilities