This minority group, often called people with disabilities, is the only one ANY person can join at any time. A disability can be present from birth or can occur at some point later in life.

Disabilities can impact physical, mental, sensory (sight, hearing), and intellectual abilities. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer can also be considered a disability.

Disability may be defined in a number of ways. It is important to understand that definitions of disability, especially when defined in state or federal laws, are used to determine who may be eligible to receive government-funded services. Definitions of disability often do not reflect the culture and values of people with disabilities.

Over time, society has had different views about disability. Similar to other social issues addressing equality, ideas about what it means to have a disability have evolved. Disability can be used by people to describe a culture or identity. Understanding how perspectives have shifted around what it means to have a disability improves our ability to provide effective support.

We will use this course to understand shifting views of supports for persons with disabilities and how this impacts the supports for persons with developmental disabilities today and in the future.