Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

 

Courtesy Image from NACCD

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is about bringing awareness of developmental disabilities and inspiring and bringing opportunities for achieving their capabilities. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability. However, there are more developmental disabilities such as Cerebral palsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Down syndrome, Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). These disabilities impair physical aspects, language, behavior, and learning. Yet, these disabilities do not prevent them from strengthening their abilities.

The entire month of March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month where you can wear light blue for Developmental Disabilities Awareness. Also, orange can be used to bring awareness for ADHD. Blue can be used to bring awareness for autism spectrum disorder and green for bringing awareness for Cerebral palsy. Silver and gray can be worn to bring awareness of FASD. As well as wearing red shoes, red socks, or anything red for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. 

This year the theme for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is “World of Opportunities.” This theme is about removing obstacles so they can be successful. Creating opportunities, changing attitudes, and educating yourself about developmental disabilities. Giving support to artists with disabilities and purchasing their artwork. In addition to getting resources to educate employees in businesses, schools, and colleges. 

Learn how to instruct your child as a parent by becoming a teacher's assistant. Becoming a teacher's assistant or becoming a teacher to support and tutor students with developmental disabilities is a positive learning experience. As well as giving your time by tutoring students in math and other difficult subjects in school. This year's artwork was created by Lee Waters who is an educator and artist. She also tutors students with disabilities and is an inspirational mentor. 

Understand developmental disabilities as a caregiver. Do not make assumptions that they cannot do something by themselves. Ask them if they need help but let them be independent as they learn their abilities. Keep the same schedule and routines. Do not change their routines because it makes them more anxious, scared, or confused.

Ask and offer to help someone with developmental disabilities. Be an inspirational mentor for someone and give encouragement. Support developmental disabilities by joining a walkathon and donating to foundations. Below are resources for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Last, bring an awareness of developmental disabilities on social media by using infographics and educational resources with the hashtags, "#New Opportunities " and "#DDAM24."

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month-NACDD:

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month – NACDD

Transforming Lives for People with Disabilities-National Disability Institute:

Transforming Lives for People with Disabilities | National Disability Institute

* Courtesy Image from Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month-NACDD:

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month – NACDD