Celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month – “We’re Here All Year”

March is a time to recognize the incredible individuals who enrich our communities every day. Established by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month serves as a vital platform for advocacy and disability understanding. This year’s theme, “We’re Here All Year,” powerfully underscores the ongoing presence and contributions of people with developmental disabilities, reminding us that inclusion isn’t a seasonal effort, but a year-round commitment.

At Chileda, we witness firsthand the strength, resilience, and unique abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities. This month, we want to take the opportunity to delve deeper into Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), a significant category of developmental disabilities that profoundly impacts many of the individuals we serve.

Understanding Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

IDDs are a group of conditions that affect physical, intellectual, behavioral, and emotional development. Typically emerging at birth or during early childhood, these conditions often persist throughout a person’s life. In the United States, over 7 million individuals are directly affected by IDDs.

This broad category encompasses a range of conditions, including:

· Intellectual delays: Challenges with cognitive abilities.

· Down Syndrome: A genetic condition causing intellectual disability and developmental delays.

· Fragile X Syndrome: A genetic condition causing intellectual disability and behavioral challenges.

· Cerebral Palsy: A group of disorders affecting movement and muscle coordination.

· Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A neurodevelopmental disorder affecting communication and social interaction.

IDDs can impact various systems, including the nervous, sensory, and metabolic systems, and some can even be degenerative. These conditions often lead to challenges in:

· Reasoning and problem-solving.

· Communication.

· Mobility.

· Learning.

· Adaptive behaviors (social and practical skills).

The causes of IDDs are diverse, stemming from genetic conditions, pregnancy or birth complications, infections, injuries, or sometimes remaining unknown.

Effective IDD Management

Effective management of IDDs typically involves a multidisciplinary approach. Teams of dedicated professionals, including physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, educators, social workers, and direct care experts, collaborate to provide comprehensive care.

Common therapies include:

· Speech Therapy (ST): To improve verbal communication skills.

· Occupational Therapy (OT): To enhance daily living skills.

· Physical Therapy (PT): To improve mobility and physical function.

· Music Therapy (MT): To address cognitive, emotional, and physical needs.

· Behavioral Therapy (BT): To address behavioral challenges and promote positive behaviors.

Treatment plans are carefully tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Additionally, special education programs offer Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to support learning and educational goals.

The Chileda Advantage

Chileda’s approach emphasizes personalized care, behavioral intervention, and community integration. We emphasize addressing challenging behaviors by utilizing techniques to increase socially significant behaviors and skills while reducing problematic ones. At the core lies Trauma-Informed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which helps to understand the “why” behind behaviors, and not just the behavior itself. It is the realization that many challenging behaviors are a result of an individual’s learning history, which may include past traumas. Chileda cultivates an environment that is safe, structured, supportive, and geared at promoting individual growth. As students progress, the goal is to help them move to less restrictive environments by offering transitional support services.

“We’re Here All Year” – A Call to Action

This year’s theme, “We’re Here All Year,” is a powerful reminder that individuals with developmental disabilities are integral members of our society. It calls for ongoing advocacy, inclusion, and a commitment to ensuring their rights are respected and upheld.

Let’s use this month to educate ourselves, challenge misconceptions, and celebrate the incredible contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities. Let’s work together to create a more inclusive and accepting world, not just in March, but every day of the year.

Jessica has been part of the Chileda team for over a decade, serving in various roles from Direct Support Professional to her current position as Director of Staff Development. She is passionate about supporting both the students Chileda serves and the growth of staff. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Science in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis, and is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

 

*The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or professional advice. Chileda, Inc. strives for accuracy but is not responsible for errors or omissions. Chileda Inc. disclaims any liability for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog site.