Lesson 13: Vocational Factors Impacted by Developmental Disabilities

Attention

Skills, Inc. is a Maine-based organization that provides a variety of services to those with intellectual disabilities.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

• Identify the specific community resources available for individuals with Developmental Disabilities
• Contrast Developmental Disabilities with Psychiatric Disabilities

Teaching

The term "rehabilitation" implies that a person under these services is returning to a previous level of functioning following an illness...for many of our clients we are actually hoping to bring them to a level of independence and functioning that they have never experienced.

This applies to many populations including mental health and developmental disabilities.

Click HERE to read the American Psychiatric Association's document on DSM V changes to Intellectual Disability

Click HERE to read the American Psychiatric Association's document on DSM V changes to Autism Spectrum Disorders

Assessment

Lesson 13 Discussion

Keep in mind that you may have clients with co-occurring disorders of intellectual and autism spectrum disorder. Discuss the unique factors that intellectual and autism spectrum disorders bring to vocational services. Research local area resources such as Skills, Inc and describe how you might use these services with your clients.