March 1, 2010

If you or a friend, co-worker, loved one or client has a developmental disability, this month is for you! Here at the YAI Network, every month (every day!) is devoted to people with disabilities and their families, but in March, we all take extra steps to raise awareness about the needs and rights of the people we serve, as well as to celebrate their contributions to our communities and society as a whole!

What You Can Do

Spread the word to your friends and family!

• Developmental disability is a natural part of the human experience and affects about 45 million Americans and their families.
• All people with developmental disabilities can be productive, contributing members of their communities!
• Many people with developmental disabilities rely on publicly funded services and supports in order to fully participate in community life.
• During times of economic decline, essential services and supports for people with developmental disabilities are often threatened.
• The power of people with disabilities is strongest when their voices are united with each other and their friends, families and other allies.
• Policy makers can only make good public policy when they hear from the people directly affected by their decisions! Contact your legislator today!

Celebrate the contributions of people with developmental disabilities

• Make a collage of ways that people with disabilities give back to their communities in your program. Then, if you like, take a picture of your project and e-mail it to us to be featured on the Web site!
• Update your Facebook status with inspiring quotes by and about people with disabilities.
• Watch movies and TV shows that positively portray actors with disabilities and discuss them in your program.
• Talk about how people with disabilities can be positive role models for others.
• Leave a comment at the bottom of this page and let us know how you are observing DD Awareness Month!

Take the pledge to Erase the "R" Word!

The Special Olympics set the deadline for eradicating this hurtful word as March 3, 2010, but it's never too late to take the pledge and raise awareness by letting people know how hurtful this word is to people with disabilities and their friends.