In 1987, President Ronald Reagan designated March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month was created so that we as Americans would help provide opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to reach their fullest potential. In this spirit, here are examples of what others are doing to celebrate and some suggestions on how you can join in!
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) and the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) are making it their goal this month to create awareness, tell stories, and showcase the lives of those with a disability. Additionally, they’re encouraging others to share their stories, photos, videos, or resources to their site or on social media using the hashtag #DDawareness17 throughout the month of March.
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute hosts an annual Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month outreach event at the Statehouse in Trenton. This year, their theme will be “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: It Matters to Me”. They’ll also be holding a design contest for students in grades 3-12!
What can you do to help raise awareness?
A good place to start is having a conversation, whether that’s online or with the people in your life. If you’re the type who loves to post on social media, use the NACDD’s hashtag! As teachers, parents, or service providers, you can also help by fostering disability awareness and acceptance in your children and students.
- Don’t ignore the topic. This makes children believe it’s okay to ignore those with disabilities.
- Encourage them to ask question! This is the best way for them to learn and shows that they have an interest.
- Encourage inclusion in your classrooms. This is beneficial for children with disabilities and those without.
It’s crucial that we have these conversations and raise awareness, so that no one with a disability ever loses out on opportunities because we don’t know how to include them. This world is just as much theirs as it is ours.
If you’re looking for positions that work with those with developmental disabilities, head over to our Job Listings page to see all the positions we have available through Humanus!
Sources:
http://www.specialneedsalliance.org/march-is-developmental-disabilities-awareness-month/,
http://blog.teacherspayteachers.com/teach-our-children-well-how-to-foster-disability-awareness/