Intellectual disabilities and mental retardness

This assignment has two parts, which will be submitted in one document.

Part 1: Identify and discuss an old definition of mentally retarded from your readings, PL94-142, or a scholarly source. Next, identify and discuss a current definition of intellectual disabilities. Use both definitions to compare and contrast how the terms have changed as well as how the definition has evolved during the past four decades since the implementation of PL-94-142 (1974), IDEA (1991) and through the 2000s.

Part 2: Given your local living environment, discuss possible factors contributing to the development of intellectual disabilities among students. Note how prevalent factors in your location may be particularly influential in the development of these intellectual disabilities among students.

Length: 4-6 pages, not including title and reference page

References: Minimum of two scholarly journal references

Your paper should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards.