Thursday, January 7, 2016

Important Facts On Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities

By Jerry Murphy


Developmental or Intellectual disability was until recently known as mental retardation but this term is slowly becoming obsolete. It is a condition that is characterized by maladaptive behaviors and cognitive impairment. Affected persons have difficulties in learning new tasks and tend to fall short of the expectations of their social environment. There are a number of things relating to individuals with intellectual disabilities in Portsmouth, VA that we need to know so that we can help them better.

No cause is found in a majority of the cases of developmental disability. However, theories revolve around genetics, social influence and the environment. Fortunately many of the persons that are known to have this condition have the mild form and have IQ scores ranging from 50 to 70. Their biggest challenge comes in the classroom where they tend to have difficulties in developing cognitive skills and their social behaviors fall short of what is expected of their peers.

Children who have special needs should not be taught alongside those that are considered to be typically functioning. While they may learn most of the skills that are required, they tend to take a lot longer and will therefore appear to lag behind. Teachers need to adopt teaching methods that impart skills and knowledge in a more practical manner. The emphasis should be on teaching issues such as time concepts, money concepts, self-care and hygiene and vocational training.

Accommodation is necessary to make it possible for the persons who have special needs to enjoy the employment opportunities that are available to everyone else. Accommodation is simply the act of making it easier for these persons to carry out specific duties in the work place. They extent of help required varies depending on the severity of the condition. Examples include providing reading and material interpretation assistance, demonstrating required techniques and making interviews more practically rather than theoretical.

In adulthood, many of them lead independent lives. The main problem is that many are unemployed or underemployed in spite of their desire to take up jobs. There has been significant discrimination over the years with regard to the hiring process in many companies where applicants known or perceived to have special needs are discriminated against. This has slowly been changing thanks to efforts by advocacy groups.

Employers should not divulge the medical information of employees with special needs unless under special circumstances. These include, for example, when there is a need to initiate emergency treatment and such information is deemed necessary. It may also be required by insurance companies when one is making a claim.

Asking questions related during interviews is discriminatory. However, employers can ask about the qualifications that the candidate has. The employee can disclose the information voluntarily if they believe that it will be helpful in the process. The employee has to explain how they intend to carry out their duties with or without accommodation. The employer and the employee should work together to determine the kind of accommodation that will needed.

Employers have a major role to play in preventing the harassment of these employees. One of the ways that this can be achieved is by creating written policies on how fellow employees and the management are to work with them (the employees with special needs). The policy should specify the course of action that is to be taken in the event that such cases are reported. Other methods that can be used include periodic training, staff meetings and employee handbooks.




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