Understanding Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
At SOLO of America, we believe in empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through our unique blend of services, including thrift stores, respite care, habilitation, and attendant care. This guide aims to shed light on the nuances of these conditions and how our supportive community plays a pivotal role in enhancing life outcomes.
Useful References
Resources and support for individuals with IDD are continuously evolving. We recommend consulting up-to-date references to navigate the complex landscape of services available, including those offered by SOLO of America.
State of Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities
https://www.azdes.gov/ddd/
State of Arizona Habilitation Services Administration
https://www.azdes.gov/rsa/
Disability Benefits Help
https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/
The Council on Quality and Leadership
http://www.thecouncil.org/
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
http://www.nacdd.org
Epilepsy Foundation of America, Inc.
http://www.efa.org
College Resources for Disabled Students of America, Inc.
http://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/disabled-students/
The American Epilepsy Society
The AES Mission: The American Epilepsy Society promotes research and education for professionals dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of epilepsy.
http://www.aesnet.org
UCP – United Cerebral Palsy
http://www.ucp.org
The Autism Society of America Home Page
http://www.autism-society.org
Special Education Network
http://www.specialednet.com/
Retail Savings Guide for People With Disabilities
https://www.couponchief.com/guides/savings_guide_for_those_with_disability
Online Colleges & Education Resources
http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/
Business Ideas for People With Disabilities
https://www.commercialcapitaltraining.com/business-resources/business-ideas/business-ideas-people-disabilities/
Lifts and Other Home Modifications for Accessibility
http://www.home-elevator.net/lifts-for-accessibility.php
Cerebral Palsy – Everything You Need To Know
https://cerebralpalsygroup.com/cerebral-palsy/
Intellectual disability, occurring before age 18, involves significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, affecting conceptual, social, and practical everyday living skills. Many individuals mildly impacted may not show obvious signs, necessitating standardized tests for diagnosis. With personalized support, many adults with intellectual disabilities lead independent, fulfilling lives.
- Developmental disability, as defined by the Developmental Disabilities Act (Pub. L. 106-402), is a severe, chronic condition resulting from mental or physical impairments or a combination thereof.
- It manifests before the age of 22 and is expected to persist indefinitely, causing substantial limitations in at least three areas of major life activity.
- These areas include self-care, language skills, learning, mobility, self-direction, independent living capability, and economic self-sufficiency.
- Individuals with developmental disabilities require specialized, interdisciplinary, or generic services tailored to their lifelong or extended needs, planned, and coordinated on an individual basis.
The transition from using 'mental retardation' to 'intellectual disability' reflects a broader societal shift toward more respectful, accurate language. This change underscores the importance of adapting our understanding and terminology to foster inclusivity and respect. Awareness regarding this offensiveness term is growing in families and individuals. Even funders, lawmakers at all levels and administrators are now making efforts to encourage the use of the preferred terms "intellectual disability" or "developmental disability" in public.