What You Should Know About People with Mental Retardation

Occasionally you may see these people in the community. Perhaps you notice them because they look "a little different", they may be in a wheel chair or use a walker. Maybe you first notice them because you hear them talk loudly and animatedly. You may notice these people because they seem to make spastic movements or odd sounds. People with developmental or mental disabilities are all around us, and, thankfully, they are appearing more and more in the community.

For centuries people with disabilities were the cast-offs of society, either abandoned as children, sent to orphanages, locked up in insane asylums, or even prisons. Because society did not understand the problems experienced by these wonderful people, out of fear and misunderstanding, those with disabilities were demonized, discarded and disrespected.

Remarkably, in the past century, scientists and doctors have begun to understand the complex medical problems faced by people with disabilities, and vast improvements have been made in medical treatments and therapies. For many years, these individuals were housed in large facilities and institutions. Over the past ten or twenty years, however, a large shift has been occurring in the way these people are cared for, and assimilated into the community.

For 5 years, I had the privilege of working in an Intermediate Care Facility for People with Mental Retardation (ICFMR). I began my job by working in direct care, and after a few years was promoted to the position of Supervisor over three living areas that housed sixty individuals with disabilities. The entire facility accommodated nearly 300 such residents. During my tenure I found a special place in my heart for people who are born with traumatic disabilities, or those who experience accidents in childhood or adulthood that leave them mentally incapacitated. I have observed many things that I believe will be helpful to you as you come into more frequent contact with people with disabilities.

1. People with developmental disabilities need to learn. Simply because they are at an intellectual disadvantage, does not mean that they ought not be taught. If an adult has the mental capacity of a two year old, he should be guided, nurtured, and taught as you would a two year old child. Just because the intellect of a person is at a low mental age, does not mean that the person is condemned to stay that way. If a person is mentally six years old, he ought to be taught letters with the goal of being able to read. If a person is the mental age of four, he should be encouraged to dress himself, etc. If the person has physical limitations, adaptive equipment should be provided for him to make him as independent as possible.

2. People with mental retardation often do not know that they are retarded. Imagine how painful it would be if when you were in the store, people stared at you constantly, but never talked to you. Sadly, sometimes this is what life is like for a mentally retarded person. They may not realize that they have a disability, but they do understand that people look at them curiously, but never talk to them. When you see a person with disabilities, do not be intimidated into silence. Give them the same common courtesy that you would a "normal" person by saying things like, "Hello", "How are you doing?" or "Excuse me." These polite interactions make deep impressions on people who live a life of quiet ostracism.

3. People with mental retardation have a great sense of humor. Most disabled individuals, in my experience, love to laugh. Making jokes, appropriate teasing, and making funny faces all add delight and pleasure to the life of the mentally disabled. Don't think yourself below interacting with these people. They are positively radiant when they are given the opportunity to interact with people who enjoy them. If you are given the opportunity, show an interest in these individuals and try to make them laugh.

Though people with mental retardation have a far brighter outlook for the future than those who were born a hundred years ago, they still struggle with the social stigma and isolation that come with their disabilities. When you see someone in the community whom you can tell has a mental handicap, take time to speak with them, humor them and even teach them. You will add significantly to your own life by enhancing the life of another.