Resources for Adults With Developmental Disabilities

Life can be difficult for adults who have developmental disabilities or mental illness. These conditions have carried a serious stigma in the past and, while society has begun to move past that, many would argue that the stigma is still there. Disabled adults are often shunned by society, and receiving the help that they need can be difficult. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help them.

The Enterline Foundation

• If you want to find reliable resources for disabled adults, the Internet can be a useful place to start looking. There are plenty of websites with a wealth of information about developmental disabilities, as well as links to places you can go for help. For example, the Enterline Foundation (enterlinefoundation.org) is dedicated to providing financial resources for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The most valuable resources on the site are the links to places that people can go in their communities for help. These links are organized by state, so no matter where you are, you should be able to find resources.

Medicaid

• Medicaid is available for disabled people of all ages who need health insurance. Each state has its own Medicaid program, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid website has information on who may or may not be eligible for coverage. Finding health insurance and medical coverage is always a dicey prospect, especially for those with a lower income. Still, it may be well worth checking out for a family member who is developmentally disabled.

Assistive Technology

• Many disabled people have achieved a degree of independence through assistive technology. Assistive technology refers to any device that helps a person perform tasks on his own. Examples of assistive technology include wheelchairs, simplified remote controls for TVs, an adapted computer mouse that is easier to handle, and talking books for those who have trouble reading for any reason. Many organizations, such as the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and the National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped, fund research on assistive technology and provide free services for disabled people.

Hospitals

• Hospitals can prove invaluable for mentally disabled or mentally ill people in times of crisis. If you or a loved one is suffering a crisis, never hesitate to call 911 or go to your local hospital. Most people associate hospitals with physical emergencies, but they do have psychiatric wards for those in emotional distress. They can be a great help in certain situations.