It is important to understand that even if a person with a disability may look or sound different than you, they are a person with feelings, abilities, hopes, and dreams just like you. The more you get to know a person with a disability, the more you may come to realize how much you have in common. Just like you, they want to be liked and accepted for who they are. Have students look around your school and see how many things they can find that assist people with disabilities. This makes it easier for a person who uses a wheelchair to get a drink of water.
Developmental disabilities can look very different.
Intellectual deficits may range from mild to severe. Some people may have very limited language skills while others may be normal. Sometimes physical limitations are present, sometimes social skills and attention span are the manifestations. Many times people with mild DD are independent and self-sufficient. Very often, the abilities and potential of people with DD are greatly underestimated.