1. Interacting with People with an Intellectual and Developmental Disability (ID/DD) Presented by: APS Healthcare Southwestern PA Health Care Quality Unit (APS HCQU)
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2. Disclaimer
Information or education provided by the HCQU is not intended to replace medical advice from the consumer’s personal care physician, existing facility policy or federal, state and local regulations/codes within the agency jurisdiction. The information provided is not all inclusive of the topic presented.
Certificates for training hours will only be awarded to those who attend a training in its entirety. Attendees are responsible for submitting paperwork to their respective agencies.
Standard APS disclaimers 2

3. Note of Clarification
While mental retardation (MR) is still recognized as a clinical diagnosis, in an effort to support the work of self-advocates, the APS SW PA HCQU will be using the terms intellectual and/or developmental disability (ID/DD) to replace mental retardation (MR) when feasible.

4. Objectives
Learn tips for communicating with individuals with an Intellectual and Developmental Disability (ID/DD).
Connect with personal feelings regarding people with ID/DD and learn how these feelings may influence interactions with this population. 4

5. Definition of Intellectual Disability
Disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior as expressed in adaptive skills in these areas:
Conceptual
Social
Practical
Originates before age 18.
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

6. Diagnostic Criteria Sub-average intellectual functioning (IQ <70)
Impairment in at least two areas of adaptive functioning
Skills that people possess so they can function in their everyday lives
Onset before age 18, and before 22nd birthday in the state of PA

7. Historical Treatment of People with ID/DD
Separated from the rest of society
Institutionalization
Social reform issue
Provided the opportunity to live in the community

8. ID/DD: Terminology “Words Do Matter”
Intellectual and Developmental Disability (ID/DD)
versus
Mental Retardation (MR)
“Words Do Matter”

9. Myths About People with Intellectual Disability…
The eternal child
Cannot learn
Need to be protected
Want to be fixed
Do not require relationships
Are not capable of living meaningful lives

10. Challenging Behaviors
Form of communication
Research has shown that 75% of the time, when a challenging behavior is present in a person with ID/DD, there is an untreated medical problem.

11. Systems of Support: Living Arrangements
At home with family
Lifesharing with someone not related to them
Independently with supports
Community homes
Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs)

12. People First Language
Recognize the person first - before his or her disability
Realize that words have the power to inspire or hurt people

13. ACTIVITY: DESCRIBE YOURSELF

14. Examples of People First Language
SAY
DO NOT SAY
Person with a disability
Disabled, handicapped
He has Down Syndrome
He’s a Down’s boy,
or the Down’s boy
He uses a wheelchair
Confined to a wheelchair
Person with a physical disability
Crippled person,
quadriplegic

15. Positive Approaches
Positive Approaches is a worldview, a movement, in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
Positive Approaches invites us to work in collaboration and in a spirit of openness, honesty and equality.

16. Communication Considerations
Speak directly to the person
Explain in simple terms
Avoid complex and abstract terms or concepts
18 second rule
Listen
Give 18 seconds for person to answer
Repetition / Consistency
Communication partners
Adaptive communication
Sign Language / Communication Technology
Always use People First Language

17. Interactions With People Who Use Wheelchairs
Speak to person directly
Talk normally
Look beyond the chair

18. SCENARIOS FOR DISCUSSION

19. What A Person With ID/DD Wants You To Know
They are people like everyone else.
They deserve respect.
They have feelings, hopes, and dreams.
They feel pain.
They can learn new things.
They enjoy meeting others.

20. References
Caring for People with I-DD: An Introduction, (January, 2010), APS Healthcare SWPA HCQU Power Point.. Retrieved, May 2011.
Communication at the Bedside, (August 2010), APS Healthcare SWPA HCQU Power Point. Retrieved April, 2011.
Emergency Department: Caring for Patients with ID/DD (Clinical), (April, 2011), SWPA HCQU Power Point. Retrieved April, 2011.
ID/DD Overview. (March 2010), APS Healthcare SWPA HCQU Power Point. Retrieved May, 2011.
Understanding the Needs of People with ID/DD in Your Workplace, (October 2010), APS Healthcare SWPA HCQU Power Point. Retrieved May, 2011.

21. To register for future trainings, or for more information on this or any other physical or behavioral health topic, please visit our website at
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23. Evaluation Please take a few moments to complete the evaluation form found in the back of your packets. Thank You!