Aging With Developmental Disabilities

A number of topic specific facts sheets have been written for joint publication by The Arc of the United States and the Rehabilitation Research and Training Centre (RRTC) on Aging with Mental Retardation.
The fact sheets provide answers to frequently asked questions about the age-related issue, especially for persons with developmental disabilities. They provide information that families and service providers need to identify possible changes and to support older adults with developmental disabilities. Each of the publications is written in a question and answer format addressing the key components of the various topics and providing ideas and suggestions for families and services providers. Easy to read, each publication includes a listing of resources/publications, a summary of important information, etc. Publications include:

Aging with Developmental Disabilities: Changes in Vision, 1997, by M.E. Marshall & C. Luchterhand, presents information on: the eye exams; types of eye care specialists; What information will be helpful to an eye care specialist?; What are typical changes in vision as we age?; What are the most frequent diseases that can cause vision loss or blindness?; What can be done to make the best of the vision that someone has?

Aging with Developmental Disabilities: Women's Health Issues, 1999, by A.A. Brown & L. Murphy presents information on: What is considered "normal" aging for women with developmental disabilities?; What affects does menopause have on women with developmental disabilities?; What is hormone replacement therapy?; What is Osteoporosis?; How is urinary incontinence related to aging?; What health-related supports and accommodations should women with developmental disabilities receive?; Internet-Based Resources

Aging, Mental Retardation and Physical Fitness, 1997, by J. H. Rimmer presents information on: What is "physical fitness?"; What are the different components of physical fitness?; Importance of each part of fitness to aging adults; Do adults with mental retardation have problems with these areas?; What happens to the body as we age?; What are the steps to becoming more fit for the aging adult with mental retardation?

Hearing Changes in Aging People with Mental Retardation, 1999, by M. Bagley & J. Mascia presents information on: How does hearing typically change with age?; Do people with mental retardation experience hearing losses that are different from those of other older adults?; What information does the audiologist need?; What can be done to cope with a hearing loss?; Are hearing aids the only option for a person with a hearing loss? Assistive Hearing Devices

Available from:

The Clearinghouse on Aging and Developmental Disabilities Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago 1640 West Roosevelt Road Chicago, Illinois 60608-6904 Telephone: (312) 413-1860 Fax: (312) 996-6942 E-mail: rrtcamr@uic.edu Web site: www.uic.edu/orgs/rrtcamr/index.html

Description of Resource: approximately 8 pages each, booklet

Approximate Cost: $2.00 each; Quantities of 100 available for $26.00 (US)