Older adults with mental retardation: Vocational evaluation considerations

The increased life-expectancy and rate of growth in the number of older adults with mental retardation is similar to that of the general population. However, a growing body of literature indicates that age-related changes manifest differently for people with severe levels of cognitive impairment, Down syndrome or multiple disabilities. In addition, older adults with mental retardation have had less experience in self-directed choice-making and may have limited knowledge of potential work options. Vocational evaluators can play key roles in fostering options for employment, retirement and leisure, and need to be prepared to identify and address the changing needs of older adults with mental retardation during all phases of the evaluation process.