March marks the 33rd Anniversary of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
When President Ronald Reagan signed the proclamation in 1987, the estimation of the number of individuals in the U.S. with developmental disabilities was four million. Now, it is estimated that there are over 4.6 million individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in the U.S. alone.
Although great strides have been made, there is still much that can be done to create a culture that is more inclusive of individuals with I/DD.
Americans are becoming increasingly aware that such disabilities need not keep individuals from realizing their full potential in school, at work or at home, as members of their families and of their communities.
This year’s theme, Our Time to Shine, will promote inclusion and respect at local, state and national levels.
Not only are there many strong organizations such as The Arc, Easter Seals/United Cerebral Palsy and the Autism Society, but individuals with I/DD themselves have become some of the strongest advocates over the years.
Individuals with I/DD were instrumental in getting President Obama to sign Rosa’s Law in 2010. This law eliminates outdated and derogatory terminology in federal legislation. This legislation was a result of the public campaign to end the use of the “r” word, which eliminates the use of the term “retarded” and other derogatory terms at the federal level and discourage the use by the public at large. Rosa’s Law and other legislation have helped change the attitudes about individuals with I/DD.
With the passing of legislation – such as the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004 – the expectations of young people with developmental disabilities and their parents began to shift. Productive, self-directed lives within the community increasingly became an obtainable goal. At the same time – due to improvements in healthcare – people with developmental disabilities are living longer, leading to questions about the lifestyle of “retirement-age” individuals. The national conversation began to address the full spectrum of services needed for people with disabilities to live secure, fulfilling lives. This conversation continues as providers of services and funding sources look at balancing these needs with the limited resources.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DD) – according to the National Institute of Health – are disorders that are usually present at birth, which negatively affect the trajectory of the individual’s physical, intellectual and/or emotional development. Many of the conditions affect multiple body parts or systems.
An intellectual disability starts any time before the age of 18 and is characterized by problems in both intelligence and adaptive behavior. The term "developmental disability" is much broader and is a lifelong disability that can be intellectual, physical or both.
The effects of these disabilities vary considerably among people who have them, just as abilities vary considerably with all people. As adults, many individuals – particularly those with only an intellectual disability – may be able to lead independent lives in the community without paid supports. A percentage of individuals will also have very significant disabilities that may require constant care and support. The middle group can be successful with supports that encourage as much independence as an individual is capable of achieving in their every-day life.
In North Carolina, children in the school system have access to educational supports through their individualized habilitation plan. Adults with I/DD do not have an entitlement in the current system. Individuals who want support services must apply through their Managed Care Organization.
In the seven western counties, this is through Vaya Health. Supports are then provided according to each person’s individual service plan.
For information on potential grant-funding to support services and programs for individuals with disabilities, contact the Evergreen Foundation at evergreenfoundationnc.org.
The mission of the Evergreen Foundation is to improve access to and public awareness of quality prevention, treatment and support services by the provider community to individuals and families with intellectual/developmental disabilities, behavioral health and/or substance abuse needs in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties.