Intellectual Disabilities (or PWID)

 I am going to step away from the series I am doing to explore some programs you might find helpful, or at the least interesting.

There is no cure for intellectual disabilities. Services and supports play a vital role that will lead to independence, as mentioned in my previous article. Finding the right help is crucial to the person with disabilities’ progress to an independent life.  These services make a big difference in their daily lives, between personal success and complacency.  Some of the services can involve case management, where the staffer helps the client enroll in many services, from Medicaid to transportation. They can get the pwid in touch with an organization that can help teach the client how to achieve their own way on public transportation but not limited to only that service, but can help the pwid take steps towards more self-reliance. 

There is also family care to help the full time caretaker with resources, education or just support, emotional and sometimes financial. In certain cases, where the pwid has difficulty with anger: the case worker can suggest and possibly pay for therapy sessions. You would have to check your local area and the resources they offer.  As caretakers, our biggest struggle could and can be solved with a little research. I know in my area the services these caseworkers have available are not necessarily advertised, so it might beneficial for you to roll up your sleeves and find them.  They are there to help you and it has been my experience that you need to be an advocate of your situation, these caseworkers are usually overbooked with clients with caseloads from 100 case plus. So it is best to go there knowledgeable and have questions ready. They have resources ready to share, but if you are unprepared and don’t have a clue to what you need don’t expect the caseworker to know.

I have included some of the questions you might want to consider:

1.       Does your pwid need a job?

a.       Are there programs in place to help them find one and is there job coaching available?

2.       Do they need some vocational training or programs?

3.       Are there day programs that would be beneficial?

4.       Does anyone offer residential options, whether it may be a living situation or instruction to help with self-reliance?

5.       Are there programs for early intervention?

6.       Is there an educational system for special needs?

a.       Can you get an advocate to help with IEP (Individual Educational Program)?

                                                               i.      Are there programs available enabling your student better access the services that will better support them?

If you search and ask questions you will have a cooperative relationship with your case worker. Just remember they won’t know your needs unless you tell them.

As a postnote I will be publishing 2 articles a week, every Monday and Thursday. Thank you.