A Guide for The Community

Developmental Disabilities
A Changing Attitude
What Are Their Needs?
Understanding Is the Key
Serving Your Customers
For More Information

People with developmental disabilities are individuals who happen to have a condition that makes it more difficult for them to adjust society. They may be people with mental retardation, cerebral palsy, or autism. Such a disability may not be obvious but can, on occasion, impair their ability to think quickly and communicate .with others. Yet many have fought to overcome their disability - and won. Their example of hard work and determination can be an inspiration to us all.

Today, people with developmental disabilities are not only living and working in the community , but public attention is focused more on how they can contribute to the community. Increased training and direct job support have enabled many people with developmental disabilities to be productively employed.

I.Q. or other labels tell us very little in the way of determining whether an individual is competent and able to make responsible decisions. Better predictors include what it is that they do, what it is that they know, and what it is that they understand.

Developmental Disabilities and Mental Illness are distinctly different conditions with different treatment and outcomes. Do not allow an incorrect label to affect your decisions.

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Do you know that there are at least eight million people in this country who have a developmental disability? At first, citizens may be concerned when people with developmental disabilities move into their neighborhood. However, studies show that property values of the surrounding community remain the same Neighbors typically accept people with developmental disabilities when they get to know them as individuals.

"I've lived near two group homes for 14 years and haven't had any problems. In fact, I've benefited from the relationship. They are an asset to the neighborhood. No loud parties, and the house and yard are nicely kept."

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Like all of us, people with developmental disabilities have complex needs. Basically, they need:

• An opportunity to make friends and to develop relationships with others.
• An opportunity to receive an education which will prepare them to be contributing members of society.
• An opportunity to receive the necessary community services, which will support them in becoming valued members of their community.

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When meeting a person with a developmental disability for the first time, you may not be sure how to interact with them. However, once you get beyond this "barrier," you will be able to see the individual as a person who has particular needs and interests.

• Talk to the person who has the disability , not just the person who happens to be with them.
• Don't be embarrassed to ask them to repeat themselves if you cannot understand what they are saying.
• If you cannot make yourself understood, use shortened sentences, single words and gestures to help them understand.
• If the person has a physical disability, they may need some assistance. Feel free to ask them if you can help.
• Remember: we're ALL PEOPLE first!

As an individual, you can fight against the negative stereotyping of people with developmental disabilities. You can correct any misunderstandings by giving accurate information to your friends or relatives.

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When you meet a person with a disability:

• Relax and be yourself. People can tell when you are being patronizing.
• Help out if asked or if help seems needed, but don't overdo or insist on helping.
• Be considerate and patient. It may take a person with a disability a little longer to get things said or done.
• Speak slowly, clearly, and directly to a person with a hearing loss to make lip-reading easier.
• Give whole, unhurried attention to a person whose speech may be difficult to understand.
• Offer your arm to help guide a person with a vision loss. Don't grasp the person's arm yourself.
• Don't move a wheelchair or crutches out of reach of the person who uses them.
• If a person is in a wheelchair, push the wheelchair only after asking the person if you may do so.
• Speak to the person with the disability, not just the person they are with.
• Remember to see the person with a disability as a person - an individual with many interests and abilities.

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For More Information

Metropolitan Council On Developmental Disabilities
821 E Admiral Blvd
PO Box 4125577
Kansas City, MO 64141
(816) 889-3422
(816) 883-3326 TDD
(816) 889-3325 Fax
mcdd1@kcnet.com

Prepared by Metropolitan Council on Developmental Disabilities. Paid for through a grant from Ewing M. Kauffman Fund and Administration on Developmental Disabilities.

Our thanks to the A R C of Oregon for providing the model for this series of brochures.

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