It’s National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Here’s What You Should Know!
Since 1987, March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. It’s a time to raise awareness about the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and to champion the opportunities they need to lead productive lives.
What’s a Developmental Disability?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, developmental disabilities encompass conditions that are caused by an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior.
As you can imagine, with a definition that broad, the signs and presenting symptoms vary greatly. Some developmental disabilities include Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Spina Bifida, and more.
What does Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month mean to Ohio Valley Goodwill?
At Ohio Valley Goodwill, we celebrate the diverse community of individuals with developmental disabilities who we serve every day with our job skills programs. They deserve every chance we can give them to reach their full potential.
Goodwill provides community based assessments to help individuals with disabilities choose which job options are right for them. We also provide job training that includes general work skills such as communication, problem-solving, and attendance. We can even help individuals explore different careers through job shadowing.
These services provide a path to achievement, self-confidence, and overall fulfillment. At Goodwill, we believe we all deserve to live fully enriched lives!
How can I help?
There are many ways you can help bring attention to Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Here are just a few!
- Wear Orange. Orange is the official color of Developmental Disabilities Month. It symbolizes energy and positivity. Ask your team to wear orange, and share on social media using the hashtag #DDawareness2023.
- Learn More. The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities is just one resource we recommend. Stay up to date on the work being done to advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Shop or donate to Goodwill. When you shop at a Goodwill thrift store, or donate your household goods, you’re supporting the programs and services we provide to individuals with disabilities to help them live life to the fullest.
The more people who participate in Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the more opportunities we have to create opportunity, inclusion, awareness, and understanding in our community. That’s our ultimate goal!
