Lessons for all: Economics, and the health and social care of people with intellectual disabilities

This topic draws on the generalised idea that it is the economic status of individuals within a society that drives the health and social care of that individual. However it is believed that by specifically looking at the effects on people with an intellectual disability it can help health and social care professionals understand and enhance their role in a number of settings. In this context intellectual disability is defined as being present if the person has reduced intellectual functioning that can be measured by reduced IQ, and limited conceptual, social and practical skills. Economic status is considered to exist at the individual, local, national and international level and is therefore a social as well as financial status