The Change of the Term ‘Mental Retardation’ to 'Intellectual Disability', CEC, Denver, 2011.

The Change of the Term ‘Mental Retardation’ to 'Intellectual Disability', CEC, Denver, 2011.

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  BY JANET VANHECK NOVEMBER2010 The Change of the Term ‘Mental Retardation’ to ‘Intellectual Disability’
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  Current Status ‘Intellectual Disability’now covers the same population of individuals who were previously diagnosed with ‘mental retardation.’ Considerable and intense discussion in the field. Current classification system was developed in 2002 by an international committee.
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  5 Trends inthe Field of ID Ecological perspectives that bases the definition of ID on a multidimensional model. Disablement as a limitation in function. Multidimensionality of intellectual disabilities. Linking assessment to intervention. The importance of clinical judgment.
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  Construct of IntellectualDisability ID is viewed within the overall context of disability. The construct of intellectual disability belongs within the general construct of disability. ID is no longer considered an absolute trait of the person.
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  Terminology When those withdisability have objected to the terms, such terms have to be discarded. Becomes important to protect this new term from taking on the stigma of earlier expressions. The term should support self-advocacy and political correctness. The term will likely have a wider acceptance internationally.
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  The Definition “Intellectual disabilityis characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills. This disability originates before age 18.” A definition can make someone eligible, exempted, included, or entitled.
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  Human Functioning: 5 Dimensions Intellectualabilities – general mental capability. Adaptive behavior – skills that people learn to function in their everyday lives. Health – WHO defines it as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well being. Participation – the functioning of the individual in society. Context – environmental factors make up the physical and social environment in which people live.
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  Historical: Negative Construction Many termsto describe persons with ID: mental deficiency, mental subnormality, imbecile, idiot, feeble-minded. Exclusion of people with intellectual disabilities is inherent in Western culture. To have mental retardation was to be defective. Inferior mental performance characterized by mental slowness or retardation.
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  Historical Overview The termmental retardation can be traced to the early 20th century. The word retard refers to slowness. Mental retardation is mental slowness. Intellectual disability is quite different from mental retardation. ID is the fit between the person’s capacity and the context in which he or she functions. ID refers to a state of functioning, not a condition.
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  Historical Reconstruction During thelast half of the 20th century, it was clear that the concept was changing. A new way of thinking about disability emerged. Focus on functional limitations, personal well-being, individual supports, and personal competence and adaptations.
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  Historical Approaches Social approach– people with ID did not adapt socially to their environment. Clinical approach – a medical view that included heredity and pathology. Intellectual approach – intelligence tests and IQ scores. Dual-criterion approach – impairments in maturation, learning, and social adjustment.
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  Legal Requirements Laws providefunding for families with a child with ID or for adults with the disability. Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Right Act Social Security  Disability Insurance Program  Supplemental Security Income Program  Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant
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  Policy and Practice Functionallimitations – how persons with ID are limited in their capacity to function. Personal well-being – policy evaluation should focus on increased independence, productivity, and community integration. Individualized supports – eligibility, classification & funding should be based on the supports needed for each person. Personal competence – shift from a personal trait to a functional limitation that can be eliminated.
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  Recommendations Protecting the newterm – based on disability literature. The future of the field of ID – promote a better understanding. Future research – causes; relation to disability.
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  Predictions Future research willhelp us better understand ID and its relationship to disability. The future depends on members of society and how they interact with people with disabilities. We will try to better understand the nature of intelligence, adaptive behavior, and disablement. The 2002 definition of ID will continue to be advanced by the American Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.