"There is no comparable Canada-wide policy for healthcare provision for people with intellectual disabilities, nor are there any recent national guidelines on how to assess and treat their mental health needs" (Lunsky et al., 2005).
Robert's 7 Point Plan
> Look beyond the disability label - you will be surprised. Labels are for jars not people
> Talk to us, NOT at us or through others
> Hearing is not enough. Listen to us and respect what we say
> Do things with us NOT for us
> Explain things slowly and get straight to the point
> Talk to us face to face
> Be honest with us .... we have antennas for bullshit!!!
(Source: Intellectual Disability Rights Service, Australia)
Joni Tada Ereckson was a young woman, enjoying the summer vacation before resuming in college when a freak swimming accident turned her to become a quadriplegic. She went through all the stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance) before accepting her new reality as someone who will need the support of others especially on a personal basis in order to navigate through life. She ended up drawing up strength and talents that she never knew she had to become an accomplished artist and a role model and mentor for many people today.
(Source: Joni and Friends, 2019)
UNDERSTANDING DISABILITY
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