Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
DEFINITIONS
Intellectual disability is an ongoing disability characterized by limitations in both intellectual (cognitive) ability (i.e., thinking, reasoning, problem-solving) and adaptive (functional) ability (i.e., dressing, eating, social skills, communication, etc.). The degree of limitations varies from person to person. The disability begins before the age of 18.
Developmental disability is a broader category of a variety of disabilities that are apparent by age 21. Developmental disabilities are chronic in nature and can be physical (i.e., cerebral palsy), intellectual, or a combination of both.
Child of God is the name given to any individual of any age who, by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, is led by the Holy Spirit and given a spirit of adoption to become a joint heir of God with Christ (Romans 8:14-17).
FAITH
“The question is not how can we help people with disabilities, but a more important question is, how can people with disabilities give their spiritual gifts to us and call us to love?” – Henri Nouwen
All people are created in the image of God. Jesus came to reconcile all people with God. All people are welcomed at the great banquet that God provides with abundance. All people are called to love God and to love their neighbor; to live in community with other believers; to offer their gifts and work for peace and justice in the world.
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have similar faith needs and desires as anyone else; they have Spirit-given gifts to offer as well. They are individuals who want to worship God and study the Bible and pray and serve and encourage others and use their gifts to build up the body of Christ and to be part of a community of faith. Like all Christians, they want to be included in the kingdom of God.
WHAT THE CHURCH CAN DO
-
Welcome all people warmly and without hesitation
-
Use language that honors and respects the individual person
-
Get to know people as people – not as labels or problems or diagnoses
-
Ask if someone needs help before offering assistance
-
Encourage all people to grow in their faith understanding and their spiritual practices and to use their gifts for the good of the church
RESOURCES
Worship
Rejoicing Spirits is an innovative ministry (first started at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Exton, PA and now offered at churches across the country) which reaches out to enrich the spiritual lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, friends and other supportive community members. For more information, check out the website at www.rejoicingspirits.org
Faith Development
Bethesda Lutheran Communities seeks to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through services that share the good news of Jesus Christ. Bethesda offers a rich variety of faith resources that are available through their website: http://bethesdalutherancommunities.org/page.aspx?pid=662
People First Language
The words we use to talk about people are important. Words shape how we view a person – do we see a person’s strengths, gifts, and unique personality or do we see a person’s disability? People with disabilities want to be seen and recognized and known as people!
Find more information on the importance of words at these websites:
www.disabilityisnatural.com/explore/pfl
www.r-word.org/Default.aspx
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) – Professional working to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. www.aaidd.org
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. www.thearc.org
Joint Position Statement of AAIDD and The Arc on Spirituality: http://aaidd.org/content_155.cfm?navID=31
May 7, 2012