JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The STATE DD COUNCIL is proud to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) this March, with the campaign “We’re Here All Year,” emphasizing that community, accessibility, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities should be recognized and championed every day—not just in March.
This month reminds us that individuals with developmental disabilities are valuable members of our communities and deserve full participation in all aspects of life, including education, employment, recreation, and civic engagement.
Established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month highlights the importance of fostering a society where people with disabilities are empowered to contribute to their communities. While March provides an opportunity for heightened awareness, true awareness happens when we commit to creating accessible environments and productive opportunities year-round. According to the Columbia Missourian, “Around 500 Missourians with disabilities and their loved ones gathered at the Capitol to garner support for disability rights on [February 26th]. This is the 24th year that disability-based activist organizations and coalitions have come together to rally for better transportation, health care access, employment opportunities and increased wages for direct support professionals. Leigh Anne Haun, director of policy advocacy at Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council, helped organize the event. She said she ‘believes it is important for lawmakers to build relationships with constituents who have disabilities.’”
During Developmental Disability Awareness Month, community members are encouraged to participate, learn, and take action in their communities.
“Through the ‘We’re Here All Year’ campaign, we want to share that people with developmental disabilities are working, going to school, volunteering, and participating in their community – just like all of us,” said Jill Jacobs, Executive Director of the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. “When they are engaged and involved in their local community, it is a win-win for everyone.”
For more information on how to get involved and to support Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and the “We’re Here All Year” campaign, visit http://www.nacdd.org and click “Celebrate DD Awareness Month!”
About Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council: The Council’s mission is: “To assist individuals, families, and the community to include all people with developmental disabilities in every aspect of life.”