Each March we observe National Developmental Disability Awareness Month and raise awareness for those with developmental disabilities. This is also a great time to educate others on what a developmental disability is.
Did you know that March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month? Each year we take the month of March to raise awareness for our friends and families with developmental disabilities. We also use this month to educate the community on developmental disabilities. In addition to Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, other important observances include Allergy Awareness Month in May, Deaf Awareness Week in the first full week of May, and International Wheelchair Day on March 1.
Chances are you probably work with someone who has a developmental disability, or your child goes to school with someone who does. It’s important to educate your child so that they understand that this doesn’t make them any different from one another. Other significant awareness events include Learning Disability Week in June, Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day, National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in May, and Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in March.
Educating them early might even encourage them to reach out to their new friend and make them feel welcome in school! Additionally, Prader Willi Syndrome Awareness Month in May highlights the importance of understanding and supporting individuals with this genetic disorder.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a national observance held annually in March to raise awareness about developmental disabilities and promote inclusion and acceptance of individuals with these disabilities. This month-long celebration aims to educate the public about the experiences and challenges faced by people with developmental disabilities, as well as their contributions and achievements. By shining a spotlight on these important issues, we can foster a more inclusive and understanding community. Awareness month activities often include educational events, community outreach, and social media campaigns to raise awareness and support for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The roots of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month trace back to the 1980s, when advocacy groups like the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) began pushing for greater awareness and support. Their efforts culminated in 1987 when President Ronald Reagan officially declared March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Since then, this observance has been celebrated annually across the United States, serving as a powerful reminder of the need for continued advocacy and support for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Great question! A developmental disability is considered a severe and long-term disability; it can be physical and/or mental. Some examples include:
Neurological diseases, such as cerebral palsy and autism, are also considered developmental disabilities due to their impact on the nervous system and development.
Typically these disabilities are presented around birth and can negatively affect the individual for life. According to the Institute on Community Integration (ICI) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2016, 7.37 million people in the United States have an intellectual or developmental disability. This can include severe or non-severe disabilities as well as individuals who have one or more developmental disabilities.
You’ve probably heard the term ‘developmental delay’ as well and are now wondering what the differences might be. A developmental delay is going to be when your child does not meet their developmental milestones at the expected time. This can include (but not limited to) crawling, rolling over, or even walking much later than what is developmentally appropriate. Always keep an eye on how your child is developing and let your pediatrician know if you’ve having any concerns!
Disability awareness is crucial for promoting inclusion, acceptance, and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. By raising awareness about different types of disabilities, we can break down stigmas and stereotypes, creating a more accessible and supportive environment for everyone. Disability awareness fosters understanding and empathy, which are essential for building a more inclusive and equitable society. When we educate ourselves and others about disabilities, we pave the way for meaningful connections and a community where everyone can thrive.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is a global event held annually on the third Thursday of May to raise awareness about digital accessibility and inclusion. The day aims to promote awareness and understanding of the importance of accessibility in the digital world, encouraging organizations and individuals to take action to make their digital products and services more accessible to people with disabilities. By participating in GAAD, we can help ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has equal access to the digital tools and resources that are essential in today’s world.
So now that you have overall the facts- you probably want to know how you can help raise awareness. Here are a few ideas! -Participate in a Walk: There are so many different annual walks for different disabilities. Autism awareness month is in April and all over the country you can find walks put on by Autism Speaks. Do some research and find out what is available by you. Participate in various awareness days throughout the year, such as World Braille Day on January 4th, to support different causes. -Share the Information: Share this information or the photo on the right via social media! Use the hashtag #DDAwareness2020. Share information about international awareness days and international days dedicated to disabilities to help educate your community. -Share Your Story: If you or your child has a developmental disability, you can share your story as well! It’s so encouraging for people to hear about this from someone who has experienced some of these challenges. -Words of Kindness: Do you work with someone who has a disability? Show them how much they mean to you! Maybe give them a note with words of encouragement, or simply take time out of your day to chat with them and see if they need anything.
Making accessibility a priority is essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable society. By prioritizing accessibility, organizations and individuals can ensure that their digital products and services are usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities. This includes providing alternative formats for people with visual or hearing impairments, using clear and simple language, and ensuring that digital products are compatible with assistive technologies. When we make accessibility a priority, we not only comply with legal requirements but also enhance the overall user experience for all.
Accessibility matters because it is essential for promoting equal opportunities and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. By making digital products and services accessible, we can ensure that everyone has equal access to information, education, employment, and other opportunities. Accessibility also benefits people without disabilities, as it can improve usability and overall user experience. Furthermore, accessibility is a legal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws, and organizations that fail to comply may face legal consequences. Prioritizing accessibility is not just a legal obligation but a moral one, ensuring that everyone can participate fully in society.
This March, we encourage you to participate in spreading awareness for developmental disabilities! If you or someone you know is affected by a developmental disability, make a point to talk to someone in the community about it! You are loved and sharing your story might be exactly what someone else needs!
-The PediaPlex Family
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