6: Working with People with Developmental Disabilities

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Page ID: 67597

Erin O'Hara-Leslie, Amdra C. Wade, Kimberly B. McLain, SUNY Broome

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In this module, we will explore how to work with people with developmental disabilities. We will discuss what it means to have a developmental disability, some of the causes of disability, and how normal functioning can be affected. We will take a closer look at some specific developmental disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, autism, and neurological impairments. We will also talk about how to best help meet the needs of a person with a developmental disability by exploring Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs and how they apply to a person with a developmental disability. Finally, we will discuss what the role of a Home Health Aide/Personal Care Aide is in the home of a person with a developmental disability.