In this society, it is common for able-bodied people to lack an understanding of the needs and feelings of people who experience physical, emotional, and mental challenges. Many times individuals with these challenges are not provided with the attention and resources they need to live a productive and satisfying life. The experiences and needs of the individual vary from person to person.
Most people experience a need for physical, mental, or emotional assistance at some point in their lifespan. This can be a difficult adjustment where counseling and therapeutic techniques can be helpful. A few examples of disabilities include developmental, intellectual, learning, and physical.
Developmental Disabilities affect the developmental stones of individuals from childhood to adulthood. This includes intellectual disabilities. Intellectual Disabilities affect the individual’s cognition, learning, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. This includes daily living skills, such as, social relationships, self-care, and self-advocacy.
Some examples of developmental and intellectual disabilities are:
–Autism Spectrum Disorders
–Cerebral Palsy
—Cerebral Palsy Group
–Down Syndrome
–Rett Syndrome
–Fragile X Syndrome
Learning Disabilities affect the individual’s ability to learn from a one size fits all method of teaching. These people need extra time, attention, and explanation to understand the materials they are being taught.
Some examples of learning disabilities are:
–Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
–Dyslexia (Language-based learning disability)
–Dysgraphia (Writing-based learning disability)
–Dyscalculia (Math-based learning disability)
Physical Disabilities can be visible (e.g., an individual using a cane, walker, wheelchair, eyeglasses, hearing aid, etc.) or not visible (e.g., individuals who do not use hearing aids, glasses, have a pacemaker, have heart conditions, and mild forms of mobility impairments).
Some examples of physical disabilities are: