12 Mar March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
On February 26, 1987, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation designating March of that year as National Developmental Disabilities Month. Since then, March is nationally recognized as the month to celebrate the accomplishments, progress and possibilities that arise when people are valued for what they can do, and not defined by what they can’t.
As our collective consciousness regarding people’s civil rights continues to progress in this country, Everas is honored to participate in this movement, advocating for and providing the direct services people with intellectual and developmental disabilities need to exercise these rights and lead an improved quality of life. Since our incorporation in 1978 we have worked to expand options and opportunities for people, as well as educate and build the capacity of the community to ensure people with disabilities are included.
Join in the celebration of National Developmental Disabilities Month and help honor Everas’ vision that all people are valued members of our communities. You can:
1. Learn about the history of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in western culture. (click to follow the link)
2. Stop using the word “retarded” in your vocabulary to describe something that is stupid or to disparage someone. (click to follow the link)
3. Start emphasizing what you have in common with people as opposed to your differences.
4. Start noticing first what people can do, not what they can’t.
5. Share your support of National Developmental Disabilities Month by liking Everas Community Services, Inc. on Facebook and post as status update “All people should be celebrated for what they can do, and not defined by what they can’t.” and link to www.everas.org