March means that it’s Developmental Disability Awareness Month (DDAM) and that means it’s time to raise awareness about the need for greater inclusion in American society. The theme for this year’s DDAM is “a world of opportunities.” As we know, opportunities for the developmentally disabled will only increase if people with disabilities and their allies work together to raise awareness about the contributions that people with DD make and can make in their communities.
Developmental disabilities affect a large segment of Americans. The category includes anyone with a disability that “occur[s] from birth to the first few years of development, may impact day-to-day functioning, and are typically lifelong diagnoses,” according to Easterseals and University of Washington. That could be individuals with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome, autism, visual or hearing loss, ADHD or learning disabilities. Easterseals reports that “more than five million Americans reportedly have developmental disabilities.”
While much has changed for the better since former President Ronald Reagan designated March as DDAM in 1987, people with DD still face many obstacles. These include the lack of accessibility online and in physical spaces; high rates of unemployment and poverty; social isolation; barriers to quality healthcare; and perhaps most significantly – stigma.
How can you help raise awareness this DDAM?
1. Learn more about developmental disabilities.
As was mentioned above, there is tremendous diversity among individuals with DD. Becoming educated about the many types of developmental disabilities is a great way to increase understanding and reduce the biases that many of us have toward our developmentally disabled neighbors.
2. Speak Up About Disability Rights
Become an advocate for people with developmental disabilities by educating others about the issues that affect them; and by supporting their civil rights. Check out the CDC’s website to learn more about allyship.
3. Hire people with developmental disabilities.
Individuals with DD frequently make excellent employees. If you are in a hiring position, consider hiring a person with a DD. If not, support businesses that do so.
4. Watch your language.
The way you talk to or about people with DD matters. Take the time to learn respectful ways of referring to individuals with DD and call out others who use disrespectful language such as the “r word.”
5. Donate to a reputable organization that helps people with DD.
Consider contributing to Easterseals, The Arc, United Cerebral Palsy or the Autism Society of America.
6. Help spread the word.
Use your social media accounts to raise awareness about DDAM by posting this year’s DDAM artwork and banner.
7. Download the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities 2024 Resource Guide.
The guide will provide comprehensive information including: “videos, toolkits, news articles, photos, personal stories, promising practices” pertaining to people with DD.
