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What Are the Different Types of Special Needs?

7/13/2021

There are many different types of disorders, disabilities, and diseases that affect people and inhibit their ability to do certain things on their own. According to the CDC, 26% of adults (61 million people) in the United States have some kind of disability. When these disabilities require extra help, it is often referred to as having “special needs.” So, what are the different kinds of special needs?

Behavioral/Emotional - Individuals with behavioral and emotional special needs may suffer from disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and more. These disorders affect how these individuals interact with other people and respond to what is happening in the environment around them.

Developmental - Developmental special needs include disabilities like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, dyslexia, as well as other processing disorders. When someone suffers from one of these disorders, their development is delayed, stunted, or limited in some capacity that affects their ability to learn and grow.

Physical - Physical special needs exist for individuals who have some type of physical limitation, disability, or disorder. This includes, but is not limited to, things like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, chronic asthma, and multiple sclerosis. These disabilities limit the degree to which individuals can move or control different parts of their bodies.

Sensory Impaired - There are also sensory impaired individuals with special needs, which includes the deaf, the hearing impaired, the blind, and the visually impaired. These individuals have lost total or partial use of one of their senses and often require assistance in their daily lives.

People with special needs often rely on their family and friends for assistance in their daily lives. However, not everyone is trained in the best practices for caring for an individual with special needs. Only being around family and close friends can also limit a person’s exposure to the outside world, new experiences, and interactions with people similar to themselves.

New Transitions Center is a community-based organization focused on enhancing the lives of young adults with special needs and the loved ones who support them in the Roanoke, Texas area. Our model focuses on higher need, medically fragile individuals who we provide with the highest quality of care. We achieve this by maintaining a low staff-to-member ratio, with 1 person on staff for every 4 members. Find out how you can help our mission by donating or by contacting us to join us as a community partner!

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What Is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?

7/13/2021

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a phrase that has become increasingly popular as our country works to become better for all who live here. This includes people who have been overlooked, under-resourced, and marginalized throughout history. By promoting DEI, we can work to improve the lives of these individuals and provide them with the necessary tools to thrive. So, what exactly do diversity, equity, and inclusion mean?

Diversity - Diversity is the presence of things that are different from one another. This is expressed in many different ways, including through different races, ethnicities, languages, religions, ages, disabilities, sexual orientations, genders, gender identities, socioeconomic statuses, and more. Individuals with diverse backgrounds or who have disabilities have largely been underrepresented throughout history and our country is now working to change that.

Equity - Equity involves trying to understand and give each person what they need in order for them to achieve an equal footing in life. This often involves providing resources and services that they have not had access to previously. Equity is similar to equality, but equality only works if everyone starts at the same place, which is not always the case. Equity focuses on helping people obtain what they need in order to get to a place where equality is possible. For example, for individuals with disabilities, equity would be helping them with things like specialized care, access to free medication, and assisted experiences so that they can do and see things that others can on their own.

Inclusion - Inclusion focuses on involving everyone and making sure no one is excluded for reasons like their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, any disability they may have, or anything else that makes them different. It also is not simply about including diverse groups but making sure they feel welcomed and able to participate in decision-making, development opportunities, and other activities.

DEI is especially prevalent with younger generations who are shaping the future of the country. By celebrating diversity, promoting equity, and creating an inclusive society we can improve the lives of the millions of people who have been overlooked for too long. Everyone benefits when people have the opportunity to live full, meaningful, and enjoyable lives.

New Transitions Center is a community-based organization focused on enhancing the lives of young adults with special needs and the loved ones who support them in the Roanoke, Texas area. The Center supports diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community of young adults with varying degrees of intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Find out how you can help our mission by donating or by contacting us to join us as a community partner!

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