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Understanding Intellectual Disabilities

An intellectual disability is a developmental disability affecting how a person learns, solves problems, reasons, and applies information in everyday life.

It can also affect adaptive skills, including conceptual, social, and practical abilities people use to communicate, build relationships, and complete daily activities. Intellectual disabilities begin during the developmental period, but the way they affect each person and the level of support each person needs vary.

A person with an intellectual disability may experience differences in areas including:

  • Learning and processing new information
  • Reasoning, planning, or problem-solving
  • Communication and understanding language
  • Social interaction and relationship-building
  • Managing routines and everyday responsibilities
  • Developing practical skills for greater independence

No single description represents every person with an intellectual disability. Each individual has their own strengths, personality, interests, preferences, and goals. Person-centered supports should be built around what matters most to the individual, empowering them to make informed choices, build meaningful relationships, develop new skills, and live a life that reflects their own goals and definition of success.

How Redwood Supports the People We Serve

At Redwood, every journey begins with the individual, not a diagnosis or label. Through our person-centered approach, we work closely with individuals, families, caregivers, and support teams to understand each person's unique strengths, goals, preferences, and needs. Together, we create personalized support plans that promote independence, meaningful relationships, community connection, and overall wellbeing.

Our services may include residential and home-based supports, day and community programs, employment and vocational services, community integration, behavioral services, crisis support, and care coordination. Delivered by compassionate, highly trained teams, these services are designed to help individuals live fulfilling, self-directed lives while remaining connected to the people and communities that matter most.

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Our Core Services

Every individual experiences life differently, and support needs often extend beyond a single diagnosis or condition.

The services below are designed to help individuals build skills, increase independence, strengthen community connections, and achieve personal goals throughout every stage of life.

two people cooking together

Residential & Home Support

Safe, supportive living environments that feel like home.

people playing games at a table

Day & Community Programs

Opportunities to connect, learn, and engage in everyday life.

man next to a refrigerator

Vocational & Employment Services

Pathways to meaningful work and greater independence.

people playing instruments together

Clinical & Specialized Support

Thoughtful, individualized support for unique needs.

Redwood staff working with individual

Crisis & Behavioral Support

Responsive, compassionate support during challenging moments, focused on stability, understanding, and positive outcomes.

father with special needs daughter

Family Support

Resources, guidance, and partnership for families navigating care, decisions, and everyday support.

Redwood Family Care Network staff on porch smiling

Education & Resources

Tools, information, and ongoing learning opportunities to empower individuals, families, and partners.

individual eating a cookie with support from staff member

And More

Every journey is different. Together, we can find the supports that fit your needs and help you move toward greater independence, connection, and quality of life.

Find Support Near You

Redwood provides a variety of person-centered services across Arizona, California, Idaho, Minnesota, Nevada, and Washington. Available programs may vary by location, funding source, and individual needs.

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Getting Started with Redwood

Finding the right support starts with a conversation.

Whether you're exploring services for yourself, a family member, or someone you support professionally, our team is here to help.

We'll take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and help you navigate available programs, resources, and funding options. Together, we can identify the services and supports that best fit your needs and build a path forward centered around what matters most to you.