As a mom with physical disabilities parenting two young adults living with cognitive disabilities, my answer is no. In a nutshell, having a disability would be defined as having an impairment that results in not being able to do or participate in something that a person without a disability could typically do. We tend as a society to often romanticize certain disabilities. We wonder if a disability makes a person courageous or special or unique. Does a diagnosis mean that person is always happy? Always angry? Always afraid? Does it mean they have a unique ability/ responsibility to be innocent and teach others through their simple worldview? This would then naturally lead to the question as to whether losing a cognitive disability could mean losing something important to the person, their identity, and what they have to offer others However this sets people apart and sees them as “other.” When we do so we see the disability instead of the person. In my opinion, regardless of if a disability is present, each human is special, wonderfully created, and of greatest worth because of who they uniquely are. This is not based on ability or what they can or cannot do. if a person with an intellectual disability were to have their abilities improved they would be just as wonderful and special as they always were- but the world would probably not be as challenging to live in given they are able to function higher. Having a higher level of ability could mean that a person is less vulnerable to predators, or that maybe they can live in their own home instead of in a care home. Maybe it means they can manage their own finances and make own money decisions instead of relying on caregivers. Maybe it means they could learn to drive instead of have to be driven on a special bus that has huge wait times. Maybe it means they can achieve higher education or work at a more complicated job they love. Maybe it means they could have a deeper conversation level with others or be able to learn to ride the bus independently or be able to communicate to a caregiver when they are in pain or hangry or be able to make decisions about what activities to do in a day. When we see a human being who just happens to live with a disability, we see a person like anyone else who has strengths, areas of challenges, likes and dislikes, joys and sorrows. When we see the disability first we see a person as separate and different- and then we create barriers where that person doesn’t fit in. Even if we put them on a pedestal and romanticize the disability- perhaps by thinking that if they had greater abilities they would lose something special- then we exclude that person from full connection, full participation, full humanity.

I apologize if I’m way off the mark here, but just a heads up: this comment is regarding teenagers and adults with special needs and day programs for them. I can’t say much about programs for individuals any younger than that. Idon’t have a special needs kiddo, but I’ve been working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities for 10 years. I’m sure day programs vary from state to state and based on the individuals’ needs and abilities, but I’ve thought a lot about this as I’ve worked on the case management/quality control side. I would work with your kiddo to determine their wants, needs, and GOALS, both short term and long term. Do they have the ability to work some type of job one day? If so, what kinds of things are they interested in? If not, what would a “meaningful day” look like for you and them? What is important to you both? In my state, many day service providers unofficially “specialize” in certain things. Some focus on employment (obtaining and maintaining), some on arts and crafts, and others focus on community activities and outreach. If you plan out your goals, wants, and needs in advance, you will be able to ask the right questions when touring agencies to determine if they seem like a good fit. I’ve seen lots of individuals have big goals of, say, getting a job in the community, but they and/or their guardians chose a day service that isn’t strong in the area of employment. As a result, these individuals are bored and their potential is unfortunately wasted. I would also ask probing questions about how behavioral needs are addressed, what they do to ensure safety, what is a typical day like, and what does the typical staff to client ratio look like? When you tour the facility, keep an eye out for cleanliness and maintenance. Do things look like they are in good condition and clean, or are they in disrepair? If the place is more activity-based, look at the types of activities going on. Do they seem age appropriate and modern/current? Pay attention to the attitudes of staff as they interact with clients, especially when they don’t know you’re observing. Do interactions seem respectful and professional? Or do staff seem to “talk down” to their clients? These types of things are good to look for regardless of the type of day program, I think. Good luck to you and your family!