| Frequently Asked Questions |
What is an intellectual disability ?
A person with an intellectual disability is someone who has impaired
learning ability and may have difficulty adapting to some of the demands
of daily living.
The World Health Organization, among others, estimates that 3% of the
population is considered as having an intellectual disability. Of these, the
vast majority is only slightly disabled and is capable of leading relatively
normal lives with some support.
As with the rest of the population, people who live with an intellectual
disability can also be affected by other disabling conditions - a loss of
hearing or sight, emotional problems, or physical disability.
An intellectual disability is a human condition. It is not an illness or a
disease, and in that sense is not "curable". It is increasingly possible,
however, to provide individuals and their families with support so the
degree of disability with which a person lives is significantly reduced.
We know that by heightening our expectation, by adapting the way we do
things, and by involving ourselves and others in the lives of persons with
intellectual disabilities, we can make it possible for all individuals -
including those who have very challenging needs - to live in, benefit from,
and enjoy life in the community.
What Supports Are Available ?
Basic obstacles facing a person with an intellectual disability are the
attitude of the people around them and the labels which are used to
describe them.
Across Canada, more communities are assuming responsibility for
supporting their citizens who have an intellectual disability. The best
supports they provide are ones which enable people to live, work, learn
and participate in the life of the community.
We reach out to the community to try to find people who want to become
involved. If you are interested to know more, we look forward to hearing
from you.
If we can be of service to you, or someone you care about, please contact
us and we will try to help you meet those needs.
A person with an intellectual disability is someone who has impaired
learning ability and may have difficulty adapting to some of the demands
of daily living.
The World Health Organization, among others, estimates that 3% of the
population is considered as having an intellectual disability. Of these, the
vast majority is only slightly disabled and is capable of leading relatively
normal lives with some support.
As with the rest of the population, people who live with an intellectual
disability can also be affected by other disabling conditions - a loss of
hearing or sight, emotional problems, or physical disability.
An intellectual disability is a human condition. It is not an illness or a
disease, and in that sense is not "curable". It is increasingly possible,
however, to provide individuals and their families with support so the
degree of disability with which a person lives is significantly reduced.
We know that by heightening our expectation, by adapting the way we do
things, and by involving ourselves and others in the lives of persons with
intellectual disabilities, we can make it possible for all individuals -
including those who have very challenging needs - to live in, benefit from,
and enjoy life in the community.
What Supports Are Available ?
Basic obstacles facing a person with an intellectual disability are the
attitude of the people around them and the labels which are used to
describe them.
Across Canada, more communities are assuming responsibility for
supporting their citizens who have an intellectual disability. The best
supports they provide are ones which enable people to live, work, learn
and participate in the life of the community.
We reach out to the community to try to find people who want to become
involved. If you are interested to know more, we look forward to hearing
from you.
If we can be of service to you, or someone you care about, please contact
us and we will try to help you meet those needs.
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