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 needed to enable persons who have special needs gain meaningful employment by providing some form of assistance. The extent of assistance varies depending on the degree of the problem. Some of the facilitative activities that can be undertaken include providing assistance in the area of reading and interpreting literature in the event that such a deficit exists. Other ways in which this can be achieved is through direct demonstration of job skills and making interviews more practical and less 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.
In the event that they make a decision to hire any such persons, employers should hold all their medical information in confidence. A few exceptions exist however. For instance, the information may have to be divulged in case of an emergency that requires treatment. It may also be given to insurance companies if claims are to be made.
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.
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 needed to enable persons who have special needs gain meaningful employment by providing some form of assistance. The extent of assistance varies depending on the degree of the problem. Some of the facilitative activities that can be undertaken include providing assistance in the area of reading and interpreting literature in the event that such a deficit exists. Other ways in which this can be achieved is through direct demonstration of job skills and making interviews more practical and less 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.
In the event that they make a decision to hire any such persons, employers should hold all their medical information in confidence. A few exceptions exist however. For instance, the information may have to be divulged in case of an emergency that requires treatment. It may also be given to insurance companies if claims are to be made.
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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