Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
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 a panel focusing on guardianship and supported decision making, and presentations on podcasts related to Developmental Disabilities, and relationship and dating. We will also have resource tables from various agencies and non-profits from around the community. This is a great networking opportunity where individuals and organizations come together and form lasting relationships.
The Council also hosts an Artists' Gala, an inclusive event where individuals can showcase artwork to people with disabilities, their families, friends, 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! Although this event will be hosted in April this year, we still consider it part of Developmental Disability Awareness activities.