P.O BOX 250 North, VA 23128
804-725-3248
FAX 804-725-0123
info@newpointva.org
It was early in 1991, and I had just graduated from the University of Akron with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. My plan was to go to graduate school and work towards a PhD in psychology, allowing me to be a practicing psychologist for the next 40-ish years. Unfortunately, I was rejected by all the graduate schools to which I applied, so my career as a psychologist ended abruptly before it even started.
However, I had been volunteering as a social coach of sorts for a young man with an intellectual disability (what we then called “mental retardation”) who lived in a group home. He and I would go places together to hang out. He accompanied me to my girlfriend’s house to have dinner with her family, too. At some point, I discovered that the group home was hiring for direct service workers. I applied and was hired in May of 1991. Because of my bachelor’s degree, I was thrust into the position of house manager a few months later… and I’ve been working in this field for the past 34 years.
So, what was “unfortunate” at the time regarding my rejections from graduate schools became my good fortune and true blessing, as I’ve had the profound opportunity and privilege to impact the daily lives of people with intellectual disabilities in (what I hope has been) real and substantial ways. I’ve since acquired a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and worked in various roles in my field, culminating in my current role as the Clinical Director for New Point Life Services in Mathews.
I’ve seen changes in the field over the years, but one constant is that people with intellectual disabilities benefit tremendously from living, working, and playing in the community like everyone else. And the benefit extends to the community, as well, which is enriched by their presence and contributions.
Intellectual disability (ID) is a developmental condition characterized by limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, covering a range of everyday social and practical skills. It has many causes and origins, including genetic conditions, infections, and pregnancy and birth complications.
For this reason, the limitations become evident very early, usually before the age of 18, and can significantly affect an individual’s ability to learn, reason, problem-solve, and complete everyday activities of daily living.
Although people with ID may face challenges in various aspects of life, with the right support from families, professionals, and communities, they can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. A particular emphasis upon support by the community is necessary and critical because the community is the destination as well as the primary source of advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities and those who love them.
People with ID often face significant challenges in educational, social, and employment settings as a result of their cognitive and functional limitations, but also because of public misunderstanding and lack of appropriate services.
Various community environments may not be equipped to accommodate their specific needs, resulting in academic and social struggles and lower levels of attainment in all aspects of life. Additionally, and subsequent to their lack of opportunities, people with ID are among the most indigent people in society, which, in turn, becomes another barrier to full inclusion.
Without inclusive and adaptive support, these individuals are excluded from typical community participation that is commonplace for people without disabilities.
Living with ID can also increase the risk of mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, especially when compounded by social exclusion, bullying, and stigma.
Access to mental health care tailored to their cognitive abilities is often limited. While some individuals with milder forms of ID may live independently with minimal support, others with more severe disabilities and medical needs may require lifelong assistance with tasks like cooking, hygiene, managing finances, and accessible transportation. This need for continuous support can affect their autonomy and life choices.
The impact on families of people with ID can be great and overwhelming. Family members often become primary caregivers, managing not only daily routines but also coordinating and advocating for medical, educational, social, and daily living supports.
This role can be rewarding, but also emotionally, physically, and financially exhausting. This is where the community can help to offer support in many ways, from accepting people with ID into various community settings to advocating for the rights and funding of services for individuals and their families.
What the community should consider is that the cause of advocacy for rights and services for people with ID is a top priority. After all, the origins of ID and its subsequent support needs are not brought on by the personal choices of individuals but are the result of medical/physiological factors that are out of the control of the person and their family.
Additionally, the barriers to full inclusion are not just impacted by the individual’s limitations but are compounded by public misunderstanding, prejudice, and lack of appropriate and sufficient services.
Those of us who support people with intellectual disabilities encourage the community to create inclusive and supportive environments in education, employment, healthcare, and social life. Many people with intellectual disabilities want not only to enjoy the wonderful fruits of the community, but they also want to make contributions in whatever ways they can.
The community can also rely on us to educate individuals with ID and the community itself to be mutually accepting of and responsible to one another. We are always willing to dispel myths and tell success stories of those we’ve supported. Many of you reading this might also be willing and able to do the same.
Intellectual disability presents lifelong challenges, but it does not prevent individuals from living rich, meaningful lives. The degree to which people with ID can thrive depends greatly on the environment around them—how educated, inclusive, understanding, and supportive their communities are.
When society invests in appropriate education, healthcare, services, employment, and public awareness, it lays the groundwork for empowerment and opportunity. We all have a role to play in ensuring that individuals with ID are not only accepted but celebrated for their unique strengths, perspectives, and contributions.
Only by working together—families, educators, employers, healthcare providers, and policymakers—can we create a world where everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to succeed and belong.
I’ve never regretted the unexpected turn my life took after I graduated from college, as I’ve had the privilege to know, love, and support so many people with the most unique personalities, gifts, and life experiences who have led me to open and broaden myself in the most meaningful ways.
Let’s consider how much our communities can also grow if we expand our minds and hearts and share our lives to include people with intellectual disabilities. I think we’ll be pleasantly surprised and enriched.
For more information, feel free to contact V. J. Petillo, Clinical Director for New Point Life Services, at vj.petillo@newpointva.org
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