Resource Center

Find your support system here.

Resource Center

Find your support system here.

What is intellectual Disability?

Intellectual disability1 refers to neurodevelopmental conditions that affect functioning in two areas:

  • Adaptive functioning, activities of daily life such as communication skills and social participation.
  • Cognitive functioning, such as learning, problem-solving, and judgment.

There are many people who need our support

7.5 million

students ages 3–21 received special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the US.

3%

increase in the total number of students served under IDEA in 2022-2023 (Compared to 2019-2020).

10.4%

of the Guatemalan population presents difficulties in at least one of the six domains of functionality based on the XII Guatemalan Population Census and VII Housing Census of 2018.

4.6%

of the Guatemalan population experience difficulties in education, with private schools having a higher prevalence (6.7% compared to 3.9% in the public system) in 2018.

What is intellectual Disability?

Intellectual disability1 refers to neurodevelopmental conditions that affect functioning in two areas:

  • Cognitive functioning, such as learning, problem-solving, and judgment.
  • Adaptive functioning, activities of daily life such as communication skills and social participation.

There are many people who need our support

7.5 million

students ages 3–21 received special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the US.

3%

increase in the total number of students served under IDEA in 2022-2023 (Compared to 2019-2020).

10.4%

of the Guatemalan population presents difficulties in at least one of the six domains of functionality based on the XII Guatemalan Population Census and VII Housing Census of 2018.

4.6%

of the Guatemalan population experience difficulties in education, with private schools having a higher prevalence (6.7% compared to 3.9% in the public system) in 2018.

7.5 million

students ages 3–21 received special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the US.

3%

increase in the total number of students served under IDEA in 2022-2023 (Compared to 2019-2020).

10.4%

of the population presents difficulties in at least one of the six domains of functionality based on the XII Guatemalan Population Census and VII Housing Census of 2018.

4.6%

of the population experience difficulties in education, with private schools having a higher prevalence (6.7% compared to 3.9% in the public system) in 2018.

Tips for Parents

  • Ask for help, learn about your child’s disability.
  • Connect with other parents of children with disabilities.
  • Be patient; learning may come slower for your child.
  • Encourage independence and responsibility.
  • Educate yourself on the educational services your child deserves.
  • Learn the laws that are written to help your child live their best life.
  • Look for opportunities in your community for social, recreational and sports activities (such as Best Buddies or Special Olympics).

Our Mission and Vision

The primary objective is to shine a spotlight on our crucial efforts, raise awareness of the challenges people with intellectual disabilities face, and fund resources to support families and students.

Citations
  1. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/intellectual-disability/what-is-intellectual-disability
  2. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/idds/conditioninfo
  3. https://archived.unprpd.org/sites/default/files/2022-12/CR_Guatemala_2021.pdf
  4. U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) database, retrieved October 13, 2023, from https://data.ed.gov/dataset/idea-section-618-state-part-b-child-count-and-educational-environments/resources. National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data (CCD), “State Nonfiscal Survey of Public Elementary/Secondary Education,” 2022–23. See Digest of Education Statistics 2023, table 204.70.

Content Owner: Neurological Institute Foundation

Last Reviewed Date: 9/19/2024