intellectual
disability
The power of normality
Intellectual disability is characterised by having significant limitations with regard to intellectual functioning as well as in conceptual, social and practical skills.
Each and every person with an intellectual disability is different and unique, therefore the services and support provided must be personalised, respecting cultural and ethnic differences and each person’s specific abilities and personal circumstances.
Intellectual disability is expressed in the relationship with the environment. It therefore depends on the person him/herself as well as the barriers or obstacles he/she faces. If we make the environment easier and more accessible, people with intellectual disabilities will face fewer challenges, in turn, making their disability seem less severe.
People with intellectual disabilities face greater challenges than others when it comes to learning, understanding and communicating.
Intellectual disability is usually permanent, in other words, lifelong, and has a significant impact on the life of the person and his/her family.
Remember
- Intellectual disability is not a mental illness.
- People with intellectual disabilities are citizens just like everyone else.
- Each of these people has their own abilities, tastes, dreams and needs. Just like anyone else.
- All people with intellectual disabilities have the possibility to make progress if they are given the right support.
There are manydifferent types and causes of intellectual disability. Some develop before a baby is born, some during childbirth and some as a result of serious illness in infancy. But always before the age of 18.
There are people with severe and multiple disabilities (very significant limitations and the presence of more than one disability) who need round the clock support in many aspects of their lives: eating, drinking, grooming, combing their hair, getting dressed, among others.
Nevertheless, a significant number of people with intellectual disabilities are rather autonomous and do not need much support to lead a normal life.
in Spain there are
people with intellectual disabilities
