The Arc is banding together with its 700+ network of chapters across the nation to mark Developmental Disability (DD) Awareness Month in March. Powered by the energy of self-advocates, families and volunteers around the country, the month will commemorate the progress toward improving the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and stress the challenges that remain in achieving full inclusion for people with I/DD.
Nearly a quarter century ago, it was The Arc's advocacy that spurred President Ronald Reagan to officially proclaim March to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. In bringing I/DD to the forefront, the proclamation underscores the pride and the promise of people with I/DD in achieving the same dreams of every American.
The Presidential Proclamation states, "For many of these people with developmental disabilities there is now the prospect of a brighter future and greater opportunity. Americans are becoming increasingly aware that such disabilities need not keep individuals from realizing their full potential in school, at work or at home, as members of their families and of their communities."
"People with I/DD and their families have come far in improving their lives and enjoying the same access as every other American to housing, education, employment, and more but there is still work to be done, said Peter V. Berns, CEO of The Arc. " DD Awareness Month reaffirms The Arc's commitment of the past 60 years to provide opportunity, growth, change, and respect for people with I/DD will full inclusion in the community," Berns said.
Follow The Arc's blog at www.thearc.org, and find out what your local chapter is doing in your community, and join in The Arc's DD Awareness Month efforts in March.
The Arcis the largest organization with a network of over 700 chapters across the country for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes and without regard to diagnosis.