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Who We Serve
The majority of the adults we serve at the Center of Family Love have profound/severe mental and motor disabilities including:
- Prenatal disorders
- Birth related injury
- Brain malformation
- Traumatic brain injury
- Prematurity
- Severe infection
Medical Complications
Other medical complications often arise in people diagnosed as having mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities. The Center of Family Love is able to work with these complications. These may include seizures, pneumonia, asthma, osteoporosis, scoliosis, hearing and/or visual impairment, or motor dysfunction.
DEFINITION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY
Developmental Disability is not something you have, like blue eyes, or a bad heart. Nor is it something you are, like short, or thin.
It is not a medical disorder, nor a mental disorder.
Developmental disability is a particular state of functioning that begins in childhood and is characterized by limitation in both intelligence and adaptive skills.
It reflects the "fit" between the capabilities of individuals and the structure and expectations of their environment.
What is a developmental disability?
According to the Developmental Disabilities Act (Pub.L.106-402), the term developmental disability means a severe, chronic disability that:
- is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or a combination of those impairments;
- occurs before the individual reaches age 22;
- is likely to continue indefinitely;
- results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: (i) self care, (ii) receptive and expressive language, (iii) learning, (iv) mobility, (v) self-direction, (vi) capacity for independent living, and (vii) economic self-sufficiency; and
- reflects the individual’s need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, individualized supports, or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.
The term “developmental disability” can include several types of conditions including, but not limited to: autism, Down syndrome, Asperger’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. Many states use different definitions for developmental disabilities based on the federal law.
What is mental retardation?
Mental retardation is generally thought to be present if an individual has an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) test score of approximately 70 or below (AAMR, 2002). Intelligence refers to a general mental capability. It involves the ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, learn quickly, and learn from experience. IQ scores are determined from standardized tests given by trained professionals.
How many people are affected by mental retardation?
Studies have shown that somewhere between 1 percent and 3percent of Americans have mental retardation, depending on how they are counted. Based on an IQ score alone, the percentages would be closer to 3 percent.
The chart to the left shows the number of adults that have registered in OKLAHOMA as having developmental disabilities in one form or another. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly how many people have mental retardation. Studies alone may not identify everyone. Many parents and professionals throughout the U.S. report they are aware the label “mental retardation” can bring offense, and for this reason they avoid its use. Many school age children receive a diagnosis of learning disability, developmental delay, behavior disorder, or autism instead of mental retardation. Many adults who technically could be said to have “mental retardation” live independent, productive lives and avoid all labels. Their success and their lack of functional limitations may mean that they are not included in studies that count the number of adults who have cognitive, intellectual or related developmental disabilities. (The Arc, 2004)
What is the difference between mental retardation and mental illness?
Mental retardation is not mental illness. Mental retardation refers to a person’s capability to think and reason. Mental illness is an emotional disturbance. There may be one occurrence or several which can develop at any time in a person’s life. Like anyone else, a person with mental retardation may become emotionally disturbed or mentally ill, but they are separate conditions.
How do cognitive and intellectual disabilities such as mental retardation affect individuals?
The effects of these disabilities vary considerably among people who have them, just as the range of abilities varies considerably among all people. Children may take longer to learn to speak, walk and take care of their personal needs, such as dressing or eating. People may take longer learning in school. As adults, many people will be able to lead independent lives in the community without paid supports. A small percentage will have serious, lifelong limitations in functioning.
Can education, training, and supports help?
While people with developmental disabilities learn more slowly than other people, they have many of the same hopes, fears, joys, problems, and needs that others do. They have talents and abilities that should be developed through individualized education, job training, and specialized therapies such as physical, occupational and speech therapies. Support can enhance individual functioning. Supports can come from family, friends and community or from a service system such as the Developmental Disabilities Services Division.
With early intervention as children and appropriate education, training, and supports as adults, all people with developmental disabilities can lead satisfying lives in their communities. The end result is a better, more normal life for people who have the same rights and responsibilities as anyone else.
For more information about developmental disabilities or available services, contact DDSD at (405) 521-3571 or toll free (866) 521-3571.
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