Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March is here, and Hands of Heartland is happy and ready to run the developmental disabilities awareness campaign throughout the month. March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness month since 1987 after President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation asking Americans to provide people with developmental disabilities with the chance, opportunity, and encouragement they need to lead productive lives and achieve their full potential.

While there have been significant changes in the decades since, this vulnerable population faces many challenges. At Hands of Heartland, we make it our mission to enable individuals with disabilities to experience life, independence, and employment within the community just like everyone else. We’re an I/DD service provider in Nebraska, serving communities in Fremont, Kearney, Grand Island, Omaha, West Point, Norfolk, Bellevue and Lincoln.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March is a month that highlights disability awareness and celebrates inclusion, diversity, and abilities. At Hands of Heartland, we believe that people with developmental disabilities are people first. That’s why we offer a welcoming environment designed to spark creativity, facilitate services and nurture people’s needs. Developmental disabilities awareness month is a nationwide event designed to unite all communities in raising awareness over various issues facing this vulnerable community and encouraging inclusion. If your organization in Nebraska includes people with developmental disabilities, you can attend the event.

To do this, you can visit our web page, and our Facebook page to discover stories, resources, and other information from around the state and the country on how services and support helps people with developmental disabilities to become part of the community in places where they want to go, work and live.

What is a developmental disability?

Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions caused by an impairment in learning, language, physical, and behavior areas. These conditions typically begin during the developmental period and may affect day-to-day functioning. The conditions are known to last a lifetime. You may also notice another common term called intellectual disability. This is a disability characterized by significant limitations in adaptive behavior and intellectual functioning.

At Hands of Heartland, we understand that people with developmental disabilities want to live independently in the community. They want to work and interact with other people, and this can become a reality with the right support and services. An inclusive community provides a healthy environment where people can enjoy freedom, opportunity, and equality.

How can you spread awareness about developmental disabilities?

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), and the Association of University Center on Disabilities (AUCD) need your help. These organizations partner to develop social media campaigns for Developmental Disability Awareness Month. This year, we want to share the message of inclusion, togetherness, and contribution. More specifically, we’re requesting stories, photos, and videos about people with and without disabilities living alongside one another. They will share these resources to explore topics like accessibility, employment, community living, and inclusion.

There are lots of ways you can get involved in Developmental Awareness Month. Of course, raising awareness should be your primary goal which should go beyond March.

  • Educate others about the abilities of people with developmental disabilities
  • Share images, stories, and videos on social media
  • Attend and promote developmental disabilities awareness
  • Employ people with developmental disabilities
  • Live and help communities with people with developmental disabilities

Hands of Heartland celebrates developmental disability awareness month

As we all join in supporting, encouraging, and celebrating people with developmental disabilities, Hands of Heartland is hopeful that the quality of life, safety, comfort, and health of people with disabilities will improve. If you need to learn more about our services or locations, please visit our website or call us on (402) 933-0680.