KAIH - Kenya Association of the Intellectually Handicapped

What is a Developmental Disability?

Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of severe chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments. People with developmental disabilities have problems with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living. Developmental disabilities begin anytime during development up to 22 years of age and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.

There are a wide range of developmental disabilities.  This chart outlines the classification of disabilities in the Kenyan context.  Although there are further disability categories, due to lack of resources, and because the assessments are not carried out in a multi-disciplinary team, specific disabilities are not identified within Kenya.  KAIH is working with other disability organizations and the government to increase the technical knowledge about disabilities and improve the assessment strategies in order to offer citizens in-depth knowledge about the various types of disabilities, and to offer more comprehensive testing.

What is Mental Illness?

Mental illness is an illness that can be cured and treated. People with mental illness generally need health care.

What is a Disability?

A disability refers to personal limitations that are of a sustainable disadvantage to the individual when attempting to function in society.

What is Intelligence?

According to AAIDD (2002), intelligence refers to general mental capability; it involves the ability to reason, plan, solve problems abstractly, comprehend, complex ideas, learn quickly and learn from experience.

What are Supports?

Supports are resources and strategies to promote the development, education and interest of a person with intellectual disabilities. They can be provided by a parent, friend, teacher, doctor, or psychologist.

What is the Difference Between Developmental Disability and Mental Illness?

Developmental disabilities are sometimes confused with mental illness. Mental illness is an illness that can be cured, or treated. People with mental illness need mental health care.

A person with a developmental disability has life-long developmental needs. He/ she requires’ assistance and support to lead a normal life in the family and the community.

Source:

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
School Psychologist Files
Foundation of Old Scholars Association
Audi Box