For change to be possible we must understand each other.

• Developmental Disabilities
• History of People with Disabilities in the U.S.
• People First
• Personal Thoughts from Seguin Program Participants

Developmental Disabilities

The term "developmental disabilities" includes a variety of life-long disabling conditions such as spinal cord injury, epilepsy, sensory impairment, cerebral palsy, autism and traumatic brain injury--many of which do not result in lowered intellectual functioning. However, mental retardation does account for 70 percent of the people who are developmentally disabled.

People with mental retardation not only function at an intellectual level that is significantly below average, but also have limitations which are evidenced before age 18 in two or more of the following areas: communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self-direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure and work.

Over 300 causes of mental retardation have been discovered, but many cases are still unknown. Causes may be: … environmental (infections during pregnancy, lack of oxygen during birth, physical abuse during the developmental years, parental use of alcohol and drugs, lead poisoning, car accidents, lack of nurturing as a baby, etc.); … genetic (inappropriate number of chromosomes with missing parts, inheriting of abnormal genes); or, … a combination of genetic and environmental.

Simply stated, mental retardation is the inability of an individual to learn as quickly as others do. However, people with mental retardation still have the same hopes, fears, dreams, and desires as so-called "normal' people." Through education, training, and the right mix of supports, many can become self-supporting. Only a small percentage cannot talk or communicate and need continued care or supervision throughout life.

Mental Retardation is not mental illness. Developmental disabilities are not diseases, and therefore are not contagious.

When communicating with someone who has mental retardation:

• Use simple sentences.
• Make instructions clear and concise.
• Do not be condescending. Talk to the person as a person; talk to adults as adults, not children. Each person deserves the same respect as anyone else.
• Talk with the person even though she or he may not be verbal enough to respond.

When talking about someone who is mentally retarded or who has another developmental disability, use "people first" language as much as possible (e.g. "people with a disability," "people who have mental retardation," etc. Don't use the name of the disability as a noun in reference to an individual (e.g., the retarded" or "the disabled").

When you are with a person who has a disability:

• Show the individual the same respect that you wish for yourself.
• Offer but don't force your assistance.
• Speak naturally and talk directly to the person--don't speak exclusively to others who are with the individual.
• Feel free to invite persons with disabilities to participate fully in church and social events and to share their talents and gifts. Like most people, they need encouragement and assurances that their services are needed and wanted - and like other people, they have the right to say no for reasons not related to their disability.
• Allow persons with disabilities to do things for themselves if they desire, even if it takes longer. Let those with physical limitations decide for themselves what is beyond their physical ability. Encourage those with mental disabilities to do all they can at their own pace.
• Be aware of barriers-attitudinal and architectural-which prevent people with disabilities from full participation, and to help overcome them.

This information comes from "A Guide to Feeling Comfortable with Persons Who Have Disabilities" by Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Incorporated.

Other Conditions which may result in developmental disabilities are:

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that affects the muscles and in some cases, the senses. The effect may vary from severe to mild, depending on which part of the brain is involved. In some instances the condition is barely noticeable while in others, the person may be unable to speak, may not have use of hands or may be unable to walk. But most people with cerebral palsy have normal intelligence.

About one in every 200 babies is born with cerebral palsy due to brain injuries or lack of oxygen during birth. After birth, it may result from falls, blows to the head, infections, brain hemorrhages, brain tumors and lack of oxygen.

Epilepsy is a physical condition caused by sudden brief changes in how the brain works. When brain cells are not working properly, a person's consciousness, movements or actions may be altered for a short time. These physical changes are called seizures. Most seizures can be controlled or prevented with medication. In over 70 percent of all cases, no cause can be found. Most seizures last only a few minutes, and many individuals receive enough of a warning to avoid injury. In some cases, arms and legs will thrash violently.

Physical Disabilities/Mobility Impairments

As a result of spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, cerebral palsy, polio, aging and a variety of disabling conditions, 1.4 million people in the U.S. use wheelchairs. Others depend on crutches, walkers, braces or canes to gain mobility if they have paralysis, muscle weakness, poor coordination, nerve damage or still joints.