7 Ways to Empower People with Intellectual Disabilities

By nature, humans are creatures that constantly learn. It could be from other people, their environment, or the things they consume daily. However, some people have difficulty learning, for which they’re known to have intellectual or developmental disabilities.

As unfortunate as it sounds, these people are often stigmatized. But you’d be surprised to know that many of them are capable of more than you thought. You may not realize it, but they’re talented in ways that you’d never expect; they just need that much-needed push for them to excel.

In this article, we list down ways that you can help those with intellectual or developmental disabilities find what they’re good at. Read on below to get started.

#1 – Research Disabilities to Respond to Individual Needs

They may be known as “developmental” and “intellectual” disabilities, but these will vary depending on the people who have them. As such, you cannot generalize developmental and intellectual disabilities and assume that all people with these will have the same needs.

Ensure that you’re well-informed on the differences between various types of disabilities. Something as simple as knowing how disabilities are classified can be very useful in understanding how to help people with these.

#2 – Assert That Disabilities Don’t Define Them

People with intellectual or developmental disabilities are still capable of great things. They’re also entitled to equal rights as everyone else. You need to understand that their disabilities don’t define them in any way.

Disabilities should not be confused with talents. Every two or three people with intellectual or developmental disabilities can achieve something great.

#3 – Consider Inclusive Points

While most of us are familiar with the word “inclusion,” some aren’t sure how to go about it. Inclusion refers to how all people, regardless of their disabilities, can be included in activities without being treated differently.

Since people with intellectual or developmental disabilities can do numerous things, it makes sense to include them in activities as well. You may be surprised to know that many of them can also teach you a thing or two.

#4 – Be There for Them as Support

It’s easy to forget that these people need support as well. They need to be treated like everyone else, with basic understanding and empathy. Lend your support to them, and always be there when they need help.

Be it someone they know or someone they met casually. The point is, they’re capable of much more than you may know. Each one of them is capable of doing great things with your support.

#5 – Encourage Them to Do What They’re Good At

It’s effortless for us to decide for other people. However, we don’t know their limits until we encourage them to do what they’re good at. Teach them to be confident about themselves and not let their disabilities define who they are.

You can do this by encouraging them to participate in activities that they’re good at. You can also help them find things that they are good at and teach them how to do them. You’ll discover their hidden talents along the way, for which their disabilities will soon be forgotten.

#6 – Join Them in Fighting against Discrimination

They might have disabilities, but they don’t deserve the mistreatment they get. They’re people like everyone else, and they’re worthy of having the same rights as everyone else. Make sure that they receive the same treatment in the same circumstances.

It will be unfair if they don’t get the same treatment as everyone else, so help fight against discrimination. This can be done by joining a group that fights against discrimination.

#7 – Treat Them like Everyone Else

They may have disabilities, but that doesn’t mean you treat them poorly. Treat them like anyone else and realize that they’re still humans with their rights. You should put yourself in their shoes and treat them the same way you treat other people. This will help remove the stigma that many people with developmental or intellectual disabilities get.

Conclusion

People with developmental or intellectual disabilities are capable of doing many things. They’re also entitled to rights and privileges, like anyone else. Let them take over their disability and realize that they are good at something they didn’t know about because these people are capable of doing great things, and you can help them get there with your support.

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