Montgomery, Ala. – National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is observed every March. This year’s theme “Beyond the Conversation” highlights the ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities. This year’s theme asks the question, “Once the conversations have taken place, what comes next?” This month offers us the opportunity to ask, “What are communities doing to create change?”
To celebrate the month, the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) and the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD) are advocating and increasing awareness about the inclusion, acceptance, and understanding of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of the community. Governor Kay Ivey proclaimed March Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, helping raise awareness and advocate for the inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities. Information about community services and important resources to increase independence and opportunity and will be shared on the ADMH website and social media pages. Success stories showcasing individuals who are changing their lives will be showcased all month long as well.
It is estimated that approximately 2.5 percent or 120,000 Alabamians are born with or may develop a disability. Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to functional impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. These conditions begin at birth or during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.
The development of an inclusive community is vital for the benefit and well-being of people with disabilities. ADMH is dedicated to enhancing and increasing resources and services so that people with disabilities can reach their full potential. To learn more about support for individuals with disabilities, please visit https://mh.alabama.gov/developmental-disabilities-services/ .