In 1987, President Ronald Reagan made a proclamation that March would be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The original proclamation called upon all Americans to ensure that every child and adult with a developmental disability has access to the supports and services they need to reach their potential.
It has been thirty-five years since that declaration was passed, and the work toward full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all areas of community life continues.
Here at Emmaus, we believe everyone with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserves to live their best lives! When everyone has the opportunity and resources to live their best lives, that is good for all of us. We use our platform to lift up the stories of our friends and family with developmental disabilities and also to celebrate the amazing work that Direct Support Professionals do each and every day to support people with developmental disabilities!
All year-round, and especially during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we are proud to share the message that people with developmental disabilities are a vital part of our communities. Click here to learn more about Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. And be on the lookout to share more stories of ours in the coming weeks!