DDAM: Celebrating Progress, Recognizing Ongoing Needs

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) is a nationwide event to raise awareness about inclusion of people with developmental disabilities* in all aspects of community life, and the barriers that people with disabilities still face.

The event was officially created by Congress in 1987. When President Ronald Reagan signed the Presidential proclamation declaring March “National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month” he wrote, “I urge all Americans to join me in according to our fellow citizens with such disabilities both encouragement and the opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”

Since that proclamation, there have been significant events for the intellectual and development disability (IDD) community:

• 1987: March designated “National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month”
• 1990: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed into law, prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in public life
• 2004: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act reauthorized, ensuring that all children with disabilities have access to a “free appropriate public education”
• 2008: ADA amended, making it easier for an individual seeking protection to establish that they have a disability
• 2014: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act signed into law, helping individuals with disabilities gain access to employment, training, and support services

While Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a time to celebrate the progress that has been made, it’s also a time to recognize the barriers people with disabilities still face in connecting to the communities in which they live. If you’re looking for ways to help, consider:

1. Wear Orange – Orange is a color symbolizing energy and positivity. It’s also the official color of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. So grab your orange attire and celebrte!
2. Become an Advocate – Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council facilitates a DD Awareness and Advocacy Day each March. The Arc and ANCOR have great resources for advocacy efforts.
3. Share Your Story – Help others be more open to people with developmental disabilities in the workplace or in the general community. Share your story through social media, in your religious community, or elsewhere.
4. Volunteer, Share – Give your time and talents in support of organizations committed to helping children and adults with developmental disabilities connect with their community. Follow organizations on social media and share their posts to increase awareness and acceptance.

*Examples of developmental disabilities include autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, brain injury, intellectual disability, and spina bifida.