Intellectual disability is one of the most common disabilities in the United States. Formerly known as mental retardation, a bill was signed in 2010 by President Obama changing the name from mental retardation to intellectual disability. Although the name has changed, the description of intellectual disability has not changed, but the level of respect and awareness towards people with disabilities has changed. Currently, according to the survey, 1 in 10 people, or 6.5 million, live with some form of intellectual disability in the United States. For a person to be classified as having an intellectual disability, symptoms must occur before the age of eighteen, limiting their intellectual capacity as well as their adaptive behavior. Specifically, intellectual disability is a physiological impact that limits a person's mental ability to perform the following tasks: • Communicate – communication is limited in the person's ability to send and receive information. The lack in this area makes it difficult for students to receive instruction. • Manage Conceptual Skills – Conceptual skills include but are limited to the ability to solve problems, count money for daily transactions, and reading and writing skills. • Practical skills – Practical skills are skills that help a person be able to live independently and care for themselves. These skills would include things like daily hygiene, safety and housekeeping. • Social or intellectual skills: These skills are the skills a person needs to interact with people on a daily basis, follow laws, and be frustrated by daily challenges. , and using inappropriate behavior with understanding is not acceptable. For a person who lives with an intellectual disability, while others learn... middle of paper ...... independent quality of life. All they need is extra support, accommodations and a slower pace. References: Turnbull, A., Turnbull, R., Shogren, KA and Wehmeyer, M. (2013). Exceptional Lives: Special Education in Today's Schools (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River. PearsonIntellectual Disability: Matthew's Story (2011). Retrieved from http://nichcy.org/state-organization-search-by-stateKanaitsa, Wistrom, Elizabeth (2012). IEP Transition Plans for Students with Disabilities. Retrieved from http://www.brighthubeducation.com/special-ed-law/74051-sample-iep-transition-plans-for-students-with-disabilities/Lapaglia MA, Michael (2012). What is intellectual disability? Retrieved from http://youtu.be/PEa4bs4KJx0Bethesda Institute "Intellectual Disability", find out what an intellectual disability is. (2011). Retrieved from http://youtu.be/V_mTP9WLdcI