Living with Intellectual Disabilities: Diverse Lives & Respectful Language

Use respectful, person-first language: "people with intellectual disabilities" or "individuals with intellectual disabilities"—never the offensive, outdated term "retarded" (the R-word). Language shapes attitudes; dignity starts with words.

Diverse Living Arrangements

Arrangements are highly individualized based on support needs, preferences, and available resources:

• Family Home + Supports: Living with family while attending school, day programs, or supported employment.
• Group Homes / Community Residences: Small homes (4–8 residents) with 24/7 staff support for daily living, medication, community access.
• Supported / Independent Living: Own apartment (alone or with roommate) with intermittent case management, life skills coaching, drop-in support.
• Host Family / Shared Living: Living with a trained host family providing natural supports.
• Intentional Communities: Neurodiverse/intentional neighborhoods with shared values and mutual support.

Key Principle

The right arrangement depends on the individual's unique needs, abilities, goals, and choices. With appropriate supports, people with intellectual disabilities live full, active lives—working, volunteering, creating art, building relationships, and contributing meaningfully to their communities.

Core Values

• Self-determination & choice
• Community inclusion & belonging
• Presumption of competence
• Dignity of risk (learning from mistakes)