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Let's get ready to celebrate National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month on March 1! This month-long celebration has been celebrated since 1987 with the goal of raising awareness and understanding of individuals with developmental disabilities. It is a great opportunity to show support for those living with these disabilities and to recognize their unique talents, skills, and contributions.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1963</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Community Mental Health Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>President John F. Kennedy signed the Community Mental Health Act aimed at reducing the number of individuals with disabilities in institutions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Developmental Disabilities Services Bill</div><div class='timeline-text'>This bill provided grants for services and support for those living with developmental disabilities, acknowledging their rights.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Education for All Handicapped Children Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>Required public schools receiving federal funding to provide equal education access to children with physical and mental disabilities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1987</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Proclamation by President Ronald Reagan </div><div class='timeline-text'>President Ronald Reagan proclaimed March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, urging Americans to provide understanding, encouragement, and opportunities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Americans with Disabilities Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>Significantly expanded protections against discrimination for people with disabilities, including those with developmental disabilities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Focus on community living</div><div class='timeline-text'>Efforts have increased to enable people with disabilities to live as independently as possible in their communities.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend an event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find an event near you celebrating National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and join in on the fun. There are often conferences, lectures, and other gatherings that are centered around this important day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Volunteer at a local organization that works with individuals with developmental disabilities. This is a great way to help out and show your support.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate Others</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Share your knowledge about developmental disabilities with others. Teach your friends and family about the importance of inclusion and acceptance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread Awareness</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Start a social media campaign to raise awareness about developmental disabilities. Post facts or stories to help people understand more about the topic.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Donate to a charity or organization dedicated to helping those with developmental disabilities. Every bit helps, so even a small donation can make a difference.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Raises awareness about disabilities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month brings to light the everyday struggles of those living with developmental disabilities. It's a time for community education and conversation that can help dispel myths, reduce stigma and recognize the accomplishments of individuals living with these conditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Highlights issues in disability advocacy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In addition to raising awareness, National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month also serves as an opportunity to bring attention to issues in disability advocacy. This includes topics such as accessible housing, healthcare, education, transportation, employment and civil rights.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Provides support resources</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>During National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, it is important to educate ourselves on the available support resources in our own communities. This might include finding services such as Therapy or Day Programs and locating organizations dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities reach their goals.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Developmental Disabilities Affect Many Aspects of Life</h3><p class='facts-content'>"Developmental disabilities" is a broad term that includes intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, and more. These disabilities can affect cognitive ability, physical functioning, or both, impacting many different aspects of a person's life.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>One in Six US Children Has a Developmental Disability</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in six children in the United States has a developmental disability—conditions that involve impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Early Intervention Can Improve Outcomes</h3><p class='facts-content'>When developmental disabilities are diagnosed early, and intervention services are provided, overall life outcomes can be improved. This includes better health outcomes, higher educational attainment, and increased autonomy and self-sufficiency in adulthood.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Technologies Enhance Quality of Life</h3><p class='facts-content'>Various assistive technologies like communication aids, mobility devices, or adapted computers can significantly enhance the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities, enabling them to live more independently.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Contribute to Society</h3><p class='facts-content'>Developmental disabilities don't define an individual's worth or potential. With the right support, individuals with these disabilities often make meaningful contributions to their communities and society as a whole.</p></div></div>
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is celebrated on March 1 every year. In 2024 National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month will occur on a Friday.
2023
Mar 1
Wednesday
2024
Mar 1
Friday
2025
Mar 1
Saturday
2026
Mar 1
Sunday
2027
Mar 1
Monday
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