Small actions can be big victories for the developmentally disabled. Every effort is an opportunity to learn what it takes to live more normal life. And by understanding what it means to be developmentally disabled, we can begin to help them every step of the way.
To start, here is a collection of some commonly used phrases:
Mentally Challenged/Developmentally Disabled
Mentally challenged and developmentally disabled are two ways to say the same thing. It describes life-long disabilities originating due to mental and/or physical impairments manifested prior to the age of 18. Some examples of these disorders are epilepsy, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism and those suffering traumatic brain injuries.
Mental Illness or Mental Disorders
Mental illness describes psychological behavioral patterns usually associated with subjective distress or disability that occurs in an individual outside of normal development. Examples include schizophrenia, Tourette’s syndrome and even anorexia and insomnia. NER does not provide services to individuals who are strictly mentally ill.
Dual Diagnosis
A dual diagnosis occurs when an individual has been diagnosed with a combination of disorders falling under both categories.
The developmentally disabled are people with unique personalities, dreams and skill sets no different than the rest of us. And with the proper education, we can understand just how much the disabled have to offer.
For more information, visit our featured resources.
Arc of Minnesota
Protecting the human rights of people with developmental disabilities.
MN Department of Human Resources
A wide range of information related to programs for people with disabilities.
Courage Center
Identifying services and resources that best meet the specific needs of the developmentally disabled.
PACER
Expanding opportunities to enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities.
