Intellectual Disability

Definition in IDEA: “…significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.” [34 CFR §300.8(c)(6)]

In 2010, President Obama signed Rosa’s Law, which replaced the stigmatizing label “Mental Retardation” with the more acceptable term “Intellectual Disability”

IDs are the most common form of developmental disability1-3% of America’s general population and 10% of students requiring SPED

have an ID

Causes: Genetic conditions (e.g. Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Williams syndrome), problems during pregnancy (e.g. mother who used alcohol during pregnancy, improper cell division), problems at birth (e.g. lack of oxygen), and health problems (e.g. malnutrition, lack of appropriate medical care, contact with poisons, and diseases like whooping cough, meningitis, or the measles)

Characteristics: Variety of physical markers depending on cause of the disability Below average intelligence ranging in incidence rate and severity

o For a mild diagnosis, students’ IQ scores will be between 70-75 or below

o For a moderate to severe diagnosis, students’ IQ scores will be approximately 55 or below

Slower learning rate and greater difficulty retaining information

May reach a point where learning levels off Difficulty generalizing skills learned in one context to another Trouble solving problems/thinking logically Difficulty with social and daily living skills Developmental delays

Suggested Teaching Strategies: Treat students appropriately according to their chronological age Carefully follow the strategies outlined in the student’s IEP Break large concepts down into smaller steps and include breaks Teach one subject or idea at a time Supply manipulatives to concretely represent concepts Provide opportunities for continued practice in a variety of settings Teach social and daily living skills Match expectations to instruction (i.e. accommodations and

modifications) Use peer-tutoring, inclusive methods, and family involvement

Additional Resources:

The Archttp://www.thearc.org/page.aspx?pid+2335The Arc is a community-based organization that advocates and serves those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The site includes various fact sheets on intellectual disabilities detailing everything from the causes of these disabilities to criminal justice issues regarding these disabilities.

The Utah Association for Intellectual Disabilities (UIAD)http://www.uaidutah.org/homeThe UIAD is a relatively new non-profit organization that formed in 2008 after The Arc of Utah closed due to financial reasons. UIAD took over some of the services the local Arc chapter provided, including the “Holiday Gift Box Program, Bridge to the Future, Connections to Computers, and socialization projects.” The Bridge to the Future is a particularly beneficial resource for parents and educators alike, outlining the services a person with an intellectual disability may require throughout stages of his or her life. People interested in supporting UIAD’s mission are welcome to volunteer. Project Ideal http://www.projectidealonline.org/index.phpProject Ideal is part of a teacher preparation program meant to prepare teachers to work with students with disabilities.  It provides helpful resources such as tips for classroom management and managing student behavior along with descriptions of disability categories and disability law.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/intellectual_disabilities.htmlThe EEOC provides information on employment opportunities and the rights of workers with intellectual disabilities.  EEOC is an important resource for educators to gain knowledge on how to prepare students with disabilities

for future jobs and opportunities.  This resource would be especially applicable for secondary teachers.

American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)http://www.aamr.org/index.cfm The AAIDD offers links to national disability organizations focusing on specific disabilities.