Introduction to Intellectual Disabilities, An

Mary Beirne-Smith is an associate professor of special education at The University of Alabama. Her previous experience includes general and special education classroom teaching and public school administration. Her reserach interests concern academic interventions for students with disabilities served in inclusive settings and collaboration between general and special education teachers. She earned her M.Ed. and Ed.D. from the University of Virginia.   Shannon Hill is Director of Education and Research at The Baddour Center, a residential and vocational service provider for adults with intellectual disabilities located in Senatobia, Mississippi.  In this role, she oversees psychological and behavioral services, staff development, research, and student placements.  Her research interests include the development of useful educational and psychological interventions, innovative methods of staff training, and family service needs.  She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Mississippi, and has served as adjunct professor of psychology, counselor education, and special education at the University of Memphis and the University of Mississippi.

Historical Perspectives
Assessment of Intellectual Disabilities
Definition and Terminology
Individual Rights and Legal Issues
Psychosocial Aspects of Intellectual Disabilities
Biological Aspects and Promises of  Prevention
Family Considerations
Characteristics of Individuals with Mild Intellectual Disabilities
Characteristics of Individuals with Severe Intellectual Disabilities
Infancy and Early Childhood
School Years: Educational Programming
Adult Years: Life in the Community
 Professionalism and Ethics