Paper Details

Mental retardation (MR) is one of the most distressing handicaps in any society. Development of an individual with mental retardation depends on the type and extent of the underlying disorder, the associated disabilities, environmental factors, psychological factors, cognitive abilities and psychopathological conditions. This affects the development and functioning of the mind and behavior of the affected person. It is in fact an arrested or incomplete development of the brain usually at birth and leading to a diminution of intellectual powers relative to the chronological age. The constitution of India is guaranteeing education as a fundamental right (Art.21A, 2002). Subsequently, prevention and early detection of disabilities, education, employment, economic rehabilitation, community empowerment and community based rehabilitation have all been given priority by the government through various schemes and also support to non-governmental organizations. Just as normal adults work to earn their livelihood, persons with mental retardation also have the potential to work and earn if they are provided with the necessary training, placement and other supports. At present, many of them are idle, work in sheltered workshops or work a few hours every week. Their earnings do not reflect their capabilities. To make employment a realistic option for people with mental retardation, appropriate jobs from the open market need to be identified. Simple jobs that require minimum supervision and low risk need to be selected for successful training and placement of individuals with mental retardation. If not by their intellectual ability, they need to be selected for the training based on their generic skills and aptitude. Vocational rehabilitation helps persons with mental retardation to hold on to a job. This paper therefore, focuses particularly on the significance of vocational education or vocational training in the field of persons with Intellectual Disability.

Intellectual Disability, Mental Retardation, Vocational Education / Training, Employment.