It is imperative that all people have access to appropriate support, where required and where requested, for dealing with grief and loss. People with intellectual disabilities may require additional supports that are sensitive and cater to their specific needs. The provision of appropriate support needs to consider the social, cognitive, and communication factors that may have an impact on how a person with intellectual disability experiences and expresses grief and loss. We hope that “Grief and Loss: Explaining death to an individual who has an intellectual disability” will provide people with intellectual disabilities and their support circle an overview and an understanding of the grief process. This grief kit highlights the range of needs people with intellectual disabilities may have while grieving while providing effective strategies for supporting them as they process grief and loss.
PEIACL has printed copies of this resource at the office, as well as a variety of books that can be borrowed to help the challenging discussions around grief and loss.