Cognable

Web Links

Futher References on Intellectual Disability

The following references are useful sources of more information about ID.

UK

Mencap is largest of the UK charities concerned with ID and the most influential at governmental policy level. In addition to its campaigning role, Mencap also provide many services to people with ID including specialist educational provision and residential care.

The Foundation for People with Learning Difficulties is a lobbying, research and support organisation which works closely with ID people, their families and their professionals.

The Valuing People Whitepaper ushered in a massive shift in UK policy in respect of people with ID. Although progress towards its goals was regionally fragmented, and therefore viewed by many as little more than rhetoric, this document and subsequent initiatives should have represented a sea-change in the rights and expectations of people with ID throughout the UK. The agenda has recently been revitalised with a greater governmental committment to consistency of implementation in Valuing People Now.

International

International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities is an international and interdisciplinary scientific non governmental organization with official relations with the World Health Organization. It promotes worldwide research and exchange of information on intellectual disabilities. IASSID is the first and only world-wide group dedicated to the scientific study of ID.

The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is the largest USA professional association run by and for professionals who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices and universal human rights for people with ID.

Inclusion International is a global federation of family-based organizations advocating for the human rights of people with ID worldwide. II represents over 200 member federations in 115 countries throughout five regions Middle East and North Africa, Europe, Africa and the Indian Ocean, the Americas, and Asia Pacific.

Standards and Classification

The WHO ICD-10 provides clinical definitions of Mental Retardation in Chapter 5, F70-F79.

The WHO ICF provides an international standard framework for the assessment of adaptive skills, levels of disability, healthcare requirements and support needs, including those of people with ID.