Key Issues of MR/DD

Individuals with mental or physical impairment that occurred during their childhood and continues indefinitely are covered by the term Mental Retardation & Development Disabilities, according to the Cuyahoga County Residential Provider Consortium.

Conditions

• The St. Louis Office for DD Resources explains the majority of people described as MR/DD have no known cause for their condition, which often occurs during pregnancy or in the early years of life. Some of the conditions covered by MR/DD are autism, cerebral palsy and mental retardation.

Community

• People with conditions covered by MR/DD are encouraged to play a full part in the community, according to the Cuyahoga County Residential Provider Consortium. A key issue of MR/DD is providing individuals with life skills, such as education, vocational training and health care allowing them to take full part in the community.

Independence

• The right to independence, which includes self-care and economic independence, is an important issue in MR/DD, the Cuyahoga County Residential Provider Consortium reports. The St. Louis Office for DD Resources explains issues surrounding habitation and socialization are also important for people dealing with MR/DD.