1	OVERVIEW OF DISABILITIES Before we start to talk about the disabilities, it is important to think about the labels that are often placed on people. When we use a label, it gives us a certain image of who a person is. Many times the image isn’t very positive.
2	Labels We must learn to consider each person with a disability as a unique individual. Just like each of us is unique, and have our own goals, needs and dreams, so does each person with a disability. The most important label is the person’s name.
3	Definitions of Disabilities There are circumstances when it is useful and meaningful to label or diagnose a person with a disability. For example this information is often necessary for funding decisions and program eligibility. There are a number of assessment tools professionals use to make a diagnosis of a disability.
4	Mental Retardation There are three main components of this condition Sub-average general intellectual functioning Significant limitations in adaptive functioning Onset before age 18 years
5	Mental Retardation Limitations in adaptive functioning refers to the following skill areas: communication self-care functional academics work home living social skills community use self-direction health and safety leisure
6	Mental Retardation (defined) Remember, this is a definition. It doesn’t tell us anything about the person’s interests, capacities, or preferences. The term Mental Retardation has been used for many years. This term is falling out of favor & we are now more frequently hearing the term “Intellectual Disability.”
7	CAUSES of Mental Retardation The cause of mental retardation can be identified about 50% of the time. The causes are categorized into: Genetic factors and syndromes, which are often hereditary conditions (Downs Syndrome)
8	Causes (cont.) Prenatal (before birth): infection, poor nutrition, use of alcohol, drugs, smoking Natal (during birth): prematurity, breech birth Postnatal (after birth): accidents, high fever, lead or other toxic poisoning, head injury
9	Mental retardation is NOT the same as mental illness Mental retardation is a disorder in intellectual development and adaptive skills, occurs in the developmental years (before age 18), and is usually permanent. Mental illness is a disorder in thinking, emotions, and behavior. It occurs at any time during one’s life, and is usually temporary.
10	Most people with mental retar- dation live in the community Nationwide about 5% of the people with retardation live in institutions. Most people live with their family or in other community settings.
11	Living in the community The Developmental Services Program has made a decision to support people in our region to live in the smallest groupings possible. Most people live at home with their natural family, or with an alternate family. Some people live in a staffed residence with one, two or three individuals with disabilities.
12	People with mental retardation are NOT all alike. People with mental retardation are as different from each other as any other two people. A diagnosis of mental retardation does not tell us anything about that person’s gifts, capacities, skills or how he/she functions on a day to day basis.
13	People aren’t all a like We owe it to ourselves and to each individual with whom we work to get to know him/her on a personal level. Learn about their interests, their goals, their hobbies and their dreams.
14	Developmental Disability A developmental disability is similar to the definition of mental retardation, in that it develops before age 22 and it results in limitations in adaptive skill areas. A person with a developmental disability may or may not have mental retardation or any intellectual impairment.
15	Cerebral Palsy Cerebral palsy is a group of conditions caused by damage to the brain occurring before, during, or after birth resulting in loss of control of voluntary muscles. Only about half of the people with cerebral palsy also have mental retardation.
16	Cerebral Palsy (cont.) Common forms are: Spastic (stiff and jerky motions), Athetoid (recurring, random, uncontrollable movement of arms and legs), and Ataxic (effects normal balance). The best language to use is: Karen is a person with cerebral palsy. NOT: She’s a CP.
17	Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorders Once referred to as Autism, it is now more common to hear the term, “Autism Spectrum Disorders” (ASDs). This change is being made as a result research which determined the symptoms of autism fall across a spectrum, from very mild to very severe, within this heterogeneous group.
18	Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorders Autism refers to a condition characterized by impairment of social skills, underdevelopment of communication and social skills, and repetitive or stereotyped behaviors.
19	Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorders Onset: childhood, generally by the age of 3. With improved assessment methods earlier identification is occurring more frequently than in the past. Early identification & intensive interventions can produce better outcomes.
20	Autism Spectrum Disorders ASD interferes with: learning, developmental rates and sequences, responses to environmental events and interpersonal relationships. People with ASD are represented in all intelligence levels.
21	Autism Spectrum Disorders Causes of ASD are unknown. It was once thought to be associated with faulty bonding with the parents. This is now considered to be a myth. ASD is now considered a genetically-based syndrome.
22	Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder Epilepsy refers to a group of disorders of the central nervous system that are characterized by sudden seizures, muscle contractions, and partial to total loss of consciousness. It is probably caused by abnormal chemical-electrical discharges in the brain.
23	Epilepsy (cont.) Many people with epilepsy have no other disabilities. Unless controlled, seizures can cause further brain damage. There are several types of seizures, which you will learn more about in additional training.
24	What should I do when someone has a seizure? Remove objects that the person may hit Protect the head Keep calm and alert Loosen tight clothing Turn the individual to his/her side
25	Seizures: what to do (cont.) Seek medical intervention if the person does not come out of the seizure within a reasonable amount of time Provide an opportunity for the person to rest Be sure that anti-seizure medications are taken exactly as prescribed (dosage and time)