We have updated our booklet on mental retardation. In keeping with current usage, we have changed it to intellectual disability.
The introduction to Including Students with Intellectual Disability reads:
Every person, regardless of age, sex, race, mental or physical capacity, deserves to know the love the Father has lavished upon us. We in His church have been given the responsibility of insuring that all people receive the opportunity to experience this great love. Whether teaching a young child who lives with her family and is part of the public school system or an adult living in a residential facility and working in supported employment, he/she can learn about the love of our wonderful Lord. We pray that this booklet will provide you with useful information about intellectual disability and give practical suggestions for making your teaching effective.
The terminology used in describing persons with mental retardation has changed often over the last several years. Most of the changes have been toward a kinder more sensitive word choice. Today, it is common to hear it said that a person has an intellectual disability or cognitive disability rather than using mental retardation. While the terms describe the same disability, in this booklet we will use intellectual disability. If mental retardation is used, it will be in a direct quotation from a published work. We urge people who continue to use mental retardation to do so with respect and kindness to the person and his family.
No matter what the label is, the important thing is to learn how the child is affected by the disability, how to appropriately program for him and to show the love of God to the student and the family
Helpful information about intellectual disability
• It is not a disease. It cannot be caught.
• It is not mental illness.
• It is permanent. The child will not grow out of it.
These few facts are important for you to know. Your ability to be comfortable with the child in your class who has an intellectual disability will be conveyed to the other students by your attitude, words, and deeds. Take time to explain these three facts to children in your class using words they understand. The more they understand about intellectual disability, the better equipped they are to become friends and encouragers for their new friend with an intellectual disability.
The student with an intellectual disability has the capacity to learn, to develop, and to grow. He can make a positive impact on his family, community, and your class.
The updated publication is available in our Online Store at www.ccfh.org.