Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March is recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Every March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and its partners collaborate to lead Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). The campaign highlights how people with and without disabilities come together to form strong communities. DDAM raises awareness of the inclusion and contributions of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life, and it's a time to explore the work we still need to do to remove barriers.
In Wyoming, we host an annual luncheon that focuses on advocacy efforts in the State of Wyoming. This year, there will be presentation focusing on peer advocacy programs, voting, and more. We have resource tables for people to access resources. It also is a great networking opportunity where individuals and organizations come together and form relationships and strengthen current relationships. This year, the luncheon will have panelists that will discuss peer advocacy programs, voting rights, and informed choice.
The Council also hosts an Artists' Gala, an inclusive event where individuals can showcase artwork to people with disabilities, their family, friends and neighbors, employers, service providers, educators, rehabilitation specialists, social workers, senior citizens, health care workers, medical professionals; and more. What better way to share the excellent work and talent individuals with developmental disabilities have by celebrating abilities, artistic talents, ideas, products, and cultural diversity!