DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH
In 1987, President Reagan first recognized March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Developmental disabilities occur among all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Recent estimates in the United States show that about 1 in 6, or about 17%, of children aged 3 through 17 years have one or more developmental disabilities. Examples of these impairments include but are not limited to autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), hearing loss, Fragile X syndrome, Tourette syndrome, and others.
Every person, with a disability or not, has a right to have basic needs met. Every individual with a developmental disability deserves to have the same access to pursue happiness, hopes, wants, and dreams as an individual without a developmental disability.
Take time this month to share information with your friends and family about developmental disabilities. By educating others, we are making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities. We can change the world for people with disabilities by this simple act. Here are some facts and resources to get you started.
- Most developmental disabilities begin before a baby is born. However, some developmental disabilities occur after birth because of injury, infection, or other factors. Most developmental disabilities last the rest of the person's life. Information on how developmental disabilities occur, what they are, and how to get a diagnosis can be found here: Developmental Disabilities: MedlinePlus.
- Educating ourselves, our children and our family on Developmental Disabilities is crucial to public awareness. Read more about this topic in the article Seven things to know about developmental disabilities | Reid Health..
- Have you or a family member ever been nervous or unsure of how to interact with someone who has a disability? Check out this resource to help build your confidence and inclusivity to all people: How to Interact With People Who Have Disabilities: 13 Steps.