Current Trends and Issues in Understanding Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

This article provides an overview of individuals with developmental disabilities. Current definitions are discussed on the basis of the premise that individuals with developmental disabilities are people first, with a set of unique learning styles and skills. Labels, including intelligence quotient scores, do not tell us much about the individual or what he or she can do. A capacity model of describing a person's skills and characteristics is emphasized over a deficit model. Discussions of employment and living options are presented, including the continua of employment service and residential service programs as well as alternative supported work and living programs.Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this article, the reader will be able to (1) paraphrase the current definition of developmental disabilities, and (2) identify at least three types of employment options and three types of living options for individuals with developmental disabilities.Joseph is a 28 year old with a contagious smile. He attends a work activity center from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM in which he is participating in community landscaping projects. He likes country western music, swimming, and being outside. He lives in a central city residential group home with five other adults who have developmental disabilities and who range in age from 22 to 56 years. Joseph's parents live in the same community and frequently see him throughout the year.Joseph uses a wheelchair because of athetoid cerebral palsy. He is considered legally blind and has glasses, but wears them infrequently because he receives inconsistent assistance from staff at the group home and day program. Joseph is hearing impaired, but the degree of hearing loss is uncertain because of audiological eval-Downloaded by: University of Georgia Libraries. Copyrighted material.