By Louis King
Throughout the year, individuals with developmental disabilities achieve amazing things. March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month an annual observance that focuses on increasing public awareness and understanding of the issues affecting people with developmental disabilities. It is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the value of full inclusion in community life and how diversity is essential to our culture and neighborhoods.
Spirit Mountain Community Fund would like to acknowledge Partnerships in Community Living, Inc. (www.pclpartnership.org) located in Monmouth, Oregon since 1986 and lead by executive director, Zellee Allen. PCL's organizational vision is to create and continually evolve as an agency that is the most talent enriched, person centered, customer-focused provider of services to individuals with developmental disabilities. They also strive to create the best training and consultation on issues related to developmental disabilities in America. It is the goal of PCL to be the preferred provider of these services and the quality standard by which others are measured.
Services provided by PCL are firmly grounded in person centered principals. Their work is part of a movement to achieve social justice and inclusion for all people, and further the goals and values of their mission statement. PCL successfully operates three other enterprises; New Seasons Nursery, DownTown Café, and DownTown Trends and Treasures Consignment all of which employ clients supported by PCL. To learn more about PCL, please contact them at: P.O. Box 129, Monmouth, Oregon 97361, (503) 838-2403 or visit their website.
DID YOU KNOW?
Developmental disabilities generally occur before the age of 18, which significantly limits both intelligence and adaptive skills. It is not a medical condition or a mental illness, but it can coexist with a mental illness. Development disabilities can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including genetic conditions, pregnancy-related issues, problems during and after childbirth, and exposure to poisonous chemicals.
Mental disabilities are diagnosed by administering tests to determine skill level within different areas of development. An IQ that is lower than 70-75 is generally one indicator of mental disabilities. However, the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities recommends that clinicians use several different methods of testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis. In addition, clinicians should keep in mind that children with mental disabilities might also have co-occurring or secondary mental health disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder. Please use this opportunity to honor other individual’s achievements of success.