Caring for intellectually or developmentally disabled is a calling that needs delicate, wise and patient handling.
It is a task that requires an adequate amount of knowledge and a kind attitude.
Adults can often have a hard time dealing with their disability, and that combined with the normal effects of ageing can often be a difficult challenge to overcome.
Apart from creating an amiable environment and a sense of normalcy for a disabled adult, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) is required to consider another important factor called 'age appropriateness.
' Most DSP associates this term with the right to color using crayons.
True age appropriateness does not infringe on the rights of a person with disabilities, it seeks to increase their rights and opportunities in a shared world.
Age appropriateness refers to activities and interactions that are designed specifically to suit the age of the disabled adult.
DSP's for disabled adults often find it a challenging task to encourage adults to participate in an environment that is suited to their chronological age.
A disabled child is often kept busy with toys, a disabled adult, on the other hand, deserves and demands respect and a variety of activities that can interest and engage them.
The rule of thumb, while designing an age appropriate environment for disabled adults is to ask oneself, "Is this something that an adult without a disability might do?" If the answer is yes, then you might be on the right track.
Remember, such activities are required to be simple, uncomplicated, engaging and above all, respectful of the age of the person.
Why is age appropriateness so important? The answers touch on a number of important areas in a person life.
Age-appropriate interactions help to develop independence as an adult.
It also helps to build a positive self-image.
It helps to combat negative stereotypes that people with disabilities are like children.
Most importantly it helps them to find a common ground and similarity with other adults of a similar chronological age.