While lots of people only see March as Women’s History Month, March actually represents a lot of different causes. One of the most powerful is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
March was declared Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan in his Proclamation 5613. the establishment of this month’s celebration was one of many made by President Reagan in the Developmental Disabilities assistance and Bill of Rights Act. Since its creation, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) has made a theme of the celebration each year.
According to the NACDD, “This March, NACDD is proud to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Month with the launch of We’re Here: Then, Now, Always campaign. The national campaign recognizes a simple truth: people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities — and always will be.”
They express that their overall mission is to “…work with State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) to empower people with developmental disabilities, their families, and allies to build welcoming and supportive communities through policy and practice, ensuring that people with DD can live a self-directed life in the community.”
This year’s theme builds off of last year’s, We’re Here All Year, mission that successfully spread awareness for the cause, and also represented that the community is banding together for the cause. “People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have always been here — part of the fabric of our nation — even when systems kept them out of sight and out of community life,” said Jill Jacobs, Executive Director of the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities.
Their mission reflects on all points in history for the community.
“Then: A time when many people with developmental disabilities were hidden, segregated, or excluded from community life. Now: Individuals living full lives — working, building friendships, parenting, volunteering, participating in faith communities, and contributing to their neighborhoods. Always: A future where community living is protected, expected, and funded – and not viewed as a program, but as part of a whole life.“
As we continue to celebrate the cause, they continue to work on this chapter until next March, when they launch their next chapter. To support their mission or donate to their cause, visit the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities.
