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This foundational course focuses on the nature of developmental disabilities. Students will develop an understanding of the defining terms, definitions, causes, and prevalence related to developmental disabilities. Common genetic syndromes and conditions will be explored with a focus on how each can influence the support needs of a person across different stages of life and how different dimensions of a person's quality of life can be changed, enhanced or diminished. Students will also explore how information related to the nature of person's developmental disability can cause harm by further stigmatizing, pathologizing or lead to the termination of people who have developmental disabilities.