12 March - Health - March marks Intellectual Disability Awareness Month

In today’s show, we spoke to Gadija Koopman - Deputy Director of Cape Mental Health Society. We were talking about Intellectual Disability as we know that March marks Intellectual Disability Awareness Month. Intellectual disability or more commonly known as mental handicap refers to a significant deficiency in people's cognitive or intellectual functioning and an inability to acquire the skills needed to function in society. However compared to the past where intellectually disabled people were frequently institutionalised, community care is becoming the norm. Despite the existence of policies and services for the population with intellectual disabilities in South Africa, recognition of and provision for their needs carries low priority according to a study by UCT's department of psychiatry and mental health. For more information you can contact their offices on (021) 447 9040 or visit www.capementalhealth.co.za