Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Since 1987, March has been acknowledged as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month when President Ronald Reagan made a public proclamation. This proclamation urged Americans to provide those with developmental disabilities “the encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”
While there has been change over the decades, there is still more change to be made.
What Are Developmental Disabilities?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), developmental disabilities are impairments in physical, learning, language, and behavior areas such as:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Learning or intellectual disabilities
- Vision impairment
- Hearing loss
- Other developmental delays
These disabilities can affect your day-to-day life and will continue throughout your life. At first, a parent won’t be able to pick up symptoms. Delayed development begins to show around 18-24 months of age.
Recent studies show that 1 in 6 children aged three to 17 has one or more developmental disabilities.
What Changes Have Been Made for Those With Developmental Disabilities?
Since 1987 when March was declared Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month by President Ronald Reagan, a few hallmark pieces of legislation have helped the community accept those with a disability and keep them from being discriminated against.
Here are a few times over the last few decades that have helped the community.
In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law and made it, so it is illegal to discriminate against people with a disability in public life.
In 2004, children with disabilities were ensured “free appropriate public education” with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
In 2008, ADA was amended and made it easier for anyone seeking protection to prove that they have a disability.
In 2010, Rosa’s Law changed the vocabulary used in federal laws from “mental retardation” to “intellectual disability.”
2014, It becomes easier for individuals with disabilities to seek employment, training, and support services through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
How to Observe Developmental Disability Awareness Month?
Developmental Disability Awareness Month is a time to bring awareness to those who might not understand what a developmental disability is or how we can help those with a disability. Some ways that you can raise awareness are:
Familiarize yourself with the rights of people with disabilities.
Read about the laws that were passed in 1990 in The Americans with Disabilities Act. This act made it illegal to discriminate against those with a disability.
Volunteer.
Reach out to volunteer in organizations in your area that work with different forms of disabilities. Some places to start are The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), the National Disability Institute, and the American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities.
Raise Funds.
Help a non-profit organization set up a fundraiser to help raise funds so that they can provide better or more services for their participants. If you’re unsure how to set up a fundraiser, donate to the cause to show support.
Wear Orange.
Orange is the official color of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Show support and your fashion sense with this bright and energetic color.
Record a Video or Podcast.
If you’re a Youtuber or Podcaster, record a podcast and tell an inspirational story about someone you know. Let the world know about the awareness month and how they can also participate and show support.
Attend an Event.
Look for events in your area to attend, donate to, or volunteer to show support for your friend or family member with a developmental disability.
Sources:
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month – SETWorks (set-works.com)
Celebrate National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month with KIT – Kids Included Together