The Culture of Cognitive Disability
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Fragile X Syndrome
Down Syndrome
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Asphyxia
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Anxiety
Schizophrenia
Learning Disabilities
Cerebral Palsy
Produced by:Nina Loan
&William Perot
Assistant Producer:Brittany Caruso
CultureShapes how we see the world and how we
make sense of it
Influences our behaviors and interactions
Effects how we make sense of “disability” and how we respond to individual with disabilities
Large spectrum of disorders and conditions - many different definitions
Individuals that exhibit significant delays in measured intelligence, adaptive functioning, and academic performance
Each case is different and should not depend on definitions and labels
Every INDIVIDUAL is UNIQUE!
What is a Cognitive Disability?
Adrian MonkObsessive-Compulsive
Disorder
Adaptive ability impaired
I enjoy time on the computer
I love TV shows and movies like:
Harry PotterMonkPocahontasGlee
I get them stuck in my head and can’t get them out no matter how hard I try
I love drawing
I have a boyfriend
It is hard for me to learn sometimes
I have a cognitive disability
I have Down Syndrome
Nina “Bean”
William aka “Slick Willy”I love Victorious (the TV show)
I like the computer and Facebook
I love to do word searches
I love High School Musical
I need things broken down into small steps to learn
I have a cognitive disability
What People See
Physical disabilities are easier to see and as a result, are most often associated with “disability”
However, cognitive disabilities are very common in children and adults but are RARELY recognized or even known to the general public
Generalization A deficit in one characteristic causes shortcomings to
be given to other abilities too.
People raise their voices to talk to a person who is blind
A person in a wheelchair is assumed to be cognitively impaired
Not everyone with a physical disability has a cognitive disability…
And not everyone with a cognitive disability has a physical disability!
Artie from “Glee”
Has a physical disability
In a wheelchair due to a car accident
Does NOT have a cognitive disability
Discrimination…“Many people think we cannot do the same things that
everyone else can.”
“It happens all the time.”
“Many people go out of their way to avoid us.”
“People talk to my aides as if I am not there or can’t understand them.”
“Many people think we cannot do anything at all.”
“Some people think we have no business being in the general public.”
They Are Wrong!We are just like everyone else
We eat, breath, learn, care and feel just like everyone else
What the Cognitively Disabled Individuals Say…
“I love to be with my friends and I love helping them out!”
“Attitudes are the REAL disability.”
“Social interactions are so important for many of us as a means to learn.”
“I want to be treated fairly.”
“We want to be asked not told.”
“We enjoy having classes with our friends.”
“We want to be able to do the same things that you can do!”
For an Occupational Therapist Talk to me! Don’t treat me like I can’t understand you
Be patient! (give me processing time)
Don’t assume you know me just by a label (Use recourses)
Step by Step (break tasks down)
Use my interests as motivation
Don’t judge my behaviors
Technology is great!
“Red and Green apples are more alike than they are different.”
People with disabilities want the same respect and to be able to make the same choices that you make about your life!
The “Face” of Cognitive Disability
Questions?
Top Related