This chapter discusses intellectual disabilities, including the definition as at least two standard deviations below average intelligence combined with deficits in adaptive behaviors. It describes the types of intellectual disabilities in terms of severity and causation, with most being mild and common causes including genetic syndromes. The chapter outlines supports and services for individuals with intellectual disabilities at different life stages from early intervention to transition services, and discusses challenges like social stigma and the role of technology and prevention in the future.

1. INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
PRESENTATION BY:
Mathews Orwa
mathewsorwa@gmail.com
9-1

2. INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
EDUC 502
9-1

3. CHAPTER 9: INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
(EBD)
Chapter Overview:
• Intellectual Disabilities Described
• Context
• Special Education Services
• Future Perspectives
9-2

4. CHAPTER 9: INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES DESCRIBED
Intellectual Disabilities Defined
• Intellectual Functioning: At least 2 standard deviations (approx. 30 points) below
the mean (100)
• Adaptive skill deficits: Conceptual, social, practical
• Need for sustained and intensive supports to achieve independence
9-4

5. CHAPTER 9: INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES DESCRIBED
Types of Intellectual Disabilities
• Can be organized into two types: Level of severity and causation
• Level of severity
- almost all cases are mild
- substantially fewer fall into severe or profound range
• Causation
- Fragile X syndrome
- Down Syndrome
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
9-5

6. CHAPTER 9: INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES DESCRIBED
Characteristics
• Problems with cognition: memory, communication, learning
• Problems with adaptive behavior: managing daily life, making friends
• Require supports to sustain independence
9-6

7. CHAPTER 9: INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

8. CHAPTER 9: INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES DESCRIBED
Challenges andTheir Solutions
• Supports from different sources can help overcome challenges
- Utilizing networks of supports
- SpecialOlympics, Best Buddies International, vocational rehabilitation
• Language can reduce bias and discrimination
- language is a reflection of perceptions
9-8

9. CHAPTER 9: INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES DESCRIBED

10. CHAPTER 9: INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
CONTEXT
People & Situations
• Stigma associated with intellectual disabilities creates a challenge and barrier to
social justice
• People with intellectual disabilities have historically been seen as a danger to
society and isolated from their communities and families
9-10

11. CHAPTER 9: INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
CONTEXT
Origins
• 1960s and 70s time of great change in attitudes and practices
• Kennedy family has made a significant impact in the treatment of people with
intellectual disabilities
9-11

12. CHAPTER 9: INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
CONTEXT
Prevalence and Placement
• Considered a high incidence disability
• Students with intellectual disabilities experience less inclusion than most other
groups of students with disabilities
• Many students participate in community-based instruction
9-12

13. CHAPTER 9: INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
Early Intervention
• Preschool programs can reduce impact of intellectual disabilities
• High quality inclusive preschool programs benefit children with and without
disabilities
9-13

14. CHAPTER 9: INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
SchoolYears
• Students should access general education curriculum as much as possible, but
functional curriculum helps mastery of adaptive skills which leads to
independence
• Successful adults able to make good choices and advocate for themselves
• Skills often need to be taught
9-14

15. CHAPTER 9: INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICESTransition
• Focus on readiness for post-secondary education and careers in the
community
• Successful transition requires significant preparation and use of
special approaches
• Supported employment programs: assists in locating employment,
skill training, and keeping position
9-15

16. CHAPTER 9: INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
Technology: Connecting and Scheduling
• E-buddies program: connects people, builds natural supports, and
develops friendships and communication
• Technology systems can help manage daily life and help meeting
work and social obligations
9-16

17. CHAPTER 9: INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
Prevention: Environmental protections
• Protection from toxins, reckless parental behavior, and viruses can reduce
incidence of intellectual disabilities
• Childhood poverty, lack of healthcare and inaccurate information threatens
known preventive measures from being implemented
9-17