Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: ENHANCING LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES:
What is Disabilities Awareness Month? Why is it celebrated?
When we engage with individuals with disabilities and celebrate their contributions to our communities and the world, we impact change and build more inclusive and compassionate societies.
Every March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and its partners collaborate to lead Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM).
This campaign is designed to bring awareness, challenge stereotypes, and highlight the unique perspectives and abilities of our friends with disabilities.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
In 1987, President Reagan recognized March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to increase “public awareness of the needs and the potential of Americans with developmental disabilities” and to provide the “encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”
Since then, we’ve seen more educational and job opportunities, increased inclusion in social and community activities, and a better understanding of the many gifts and talents of individuals with disabilities.
"We're Here All Year!” – The 2025 Campaign
People with developmental disabilities are our neighbors, friends, and coworkers. The “We’re Here All Year” theme emphasizes that community, accessibility, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities should be recognized and championed every day—not just in March!
What are the benefits and reasons we celebrate Disabilities Awareness Month?
It encourages inclusion and understanding.
· By increasing public awareness about developmental disabilities, it promotes a more inclusive and vibrant society
It nurtures compassion and respect and cultivates empathy.
It fights stigma and discrimination.
It addresses and challenges negative perceptions and helps create an environment that treats individuals with disabilities as equal members of society with worth and value.
It helps break down barriers and stereotypes, promoting the use of respectful language in all interactions with people with disabilities.
It improves community engagement.
It encourages advocacy for the rights and needs of people with disabilities and increases active participation.
It highlights how people with and without disabilities can come together to form strong communities.
It drives positive change.
Disability awareness can lead to greater support for disability rights and increased accessibility in all aspects of life.
It emphasizes that individuals with developmental disabilities are valuable community members who deserve full participation in education, employment, recreation, and society.
It has a long-term impact.
Educating people early helps prevent negative attitudes towards individuals with disabilities and promotes compassion and understanding.
It promotes accessibility, opportunities, and awareness year-round, not just during March.
Disabilities Awareness Month is important in fostering understanding, promoting inclusion, and driving positive changes that benefit individuals with disabilities in their communities and the world.
#WeReHereAllYear #NACDD #DDAwareness
Linda Bonner is an international bestselling author of “Blessed with Extraordinary.” Through her book, writing, and speaking she seeks to equip families and communities with shared disability resources and education to advocate locally and beyond.
www.blessedwithextraordinary.com
@more_extraordinary_days
