March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March is the annual celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Focusing on this month gives us an opportunity to celebrate the contributions that people with disabilities make as neighbors, friends, coworkers, and members of our community. People with disabilities are valuable, contributing members of our community who have much to offer and a desire to participate. Much progress has been made in our society’s treatment of people with developmental disabilities, parents are no longer pressured to send their children away to institutions, more doors than ever before are open to individuals with disabilities. With organizations like The Arc of Delaware County, people are living fulfilling lives and have proven to be reliable workers, excellent volunteers, and capable of meeting or exceeding expectations or standards. Though the acceptance and treatment of people with disabilities has come a long way, we still have a long way to go – for instance, as many as 60% of individuals with disabilities – 7 million nationwide – remain unemployed. Community members can help by becoming a Member of The Arc of Delaware County, which you have or will be receiving information in the mail about. Other ways to help include hiring someone with disabilities, inviting them to participate in civic organizations or community activities, donating time or money to The Arc of Delaware to support our mission, or even just teaching children that all people have something to contribute.