The Challenged
by
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Who are the Challenged ?
They are those individuals who are delayed in their mental development and who, through appropriate education and support, can become productive members of their communities.
They are the parents of such children and adults, who have to make the hard decisions about their offspring.
They are the service providers for the mentally challenged who, through their commitment and through appropriate principles and practices, can make a difference in the lives of those they serve.
They are the politicians, clergy, educators and community leaders who control the social context and financial support for the education and options of the mentally challenged.
They are the various segments of the general public whose ignorance and misconceptions retard their own growth, as well as that of the mentally challenged, because the introduction of enlightened educational programs is, in part, dependent upon community support.
This book is for everyone because we are all challenged in relation to those who are mentally challenged. Every reader of this book is challenged to make a difference.
(225 pages)
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About the Book
This book was written to help parents of mentally challenged and developmentally delayed children or adults decide what avenues to pursue that will most benefit their offspring.
Also, it is hoped that the information contained in this book will provide a better understanding of the mentally challenged by the general population, and thus generate more cooperation and greater support in the development and implementation of new and additional services to meet the needs of these individuals.
It is intended to promote acceptance of all mentally challenged people for who they are and what they are. The Challenged advocates that those living in the community, the people who are in a position to help and assist their fellow citizens to be educated, live and use work in that same community just like anyone else, fully recognize the abilities and dignity of the mentally challenged.
I have not included any footnotes in this book because they would not be of any great interest to the majority of people reading it.
I have drawn heavily on my 18 years of experience in the field of service provision for the developmentally challenged, and also on numerous documents, papers and publications collected over the years, as well as information gathered at seminars, workshops, and national and international conferences.
The list of organizations and individuals contributing their expertise and furthering the cause in the field of improving the lives of those who are developmentally challenged would simply be too long to print in this book.
About the Author
In addition, he served as Chairperson of the Advisory Committee for Developmental Care at the Oakville Sheridan Community College. Over the years he has developed and implemented several service-delivery programs and policies aimed at improved conditions for the developmentally challenged living in the community. In 1987, he was recognized by the Minister of State for Youth for his active participation in the summer employment program for Canada's students.
He was a long standing member of the following associations:
- Ontario Association for Community Living
- Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities
- Canadian Association for Mental Retardation
- National Conference of Executives of Associations for Retarded Citizens, U.S.A.
- Association for Retarded Citizens, U.S.A.
He was the father of a developmentally challenged son.