LOCAL

Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities celebrates DD Awareness Month

Marion Star

USA TODAY NETWORK

The Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) is celebrating those served throughout March with Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month.

March began to be recognized as DD Awareness Month in 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “the encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”

County Boards of DD across the state and DD organizations nationwide use March to celebrate the significant and positive change in the decades since and create further awareness regarding the many challenges that remain for this vulnerable population.

Christina Pigg and Alex Green are pictured with the Marion County commissioners, members of MCBDD, and other various county officials who were in attendance at the commissioners' meeting Thursday.

“We love the month of March here at MCBDD,” said Cheryl Plaster, superintendent of the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities. “We celebrate those served every day, but in March, County Boards collectively tell amazing stories and create awareness. We love to see the newsfeeds and other media flooded with great stories about the work we do and the people we serve."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), developmental disabilities involve impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. Some examples are autism spectrum disorders (ASD), cerebral palsy, learning or intellectual disabilities and other developmental delays.

MCBDD encourages the Marion County community to “follow along” on their social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram) as they celebrate those they serve and the strengths they offer to our community.

The state motto for DD Awareness month this year is All Means All. All Abilities. All Voices. All of Us. Collectively on Tuesday, DD organizations are asking friends across the state to “wear orange” in celebration of developmental disabilities month. MCBDD is participating in this statewide campaign and look forward to seeing social media “turn orange” in honor of those served and their families.

Coraline, who receives early intervention services through MCBDD’s early intervention program, is featured as part of a campaign promoting Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March.

This Is Me More Than DD

The theme of MCBDD this month is This Is Me, More Than DD. The organization will highlight the character traits, strengths and successes of those served to inform the general public that their developmental disabilities are often secondary to them and those around them.

The county board of DD manages and funds over 50 local providers of services. A provider is simply an independent agency that partners with MCBDD to provide the needed services. Integrating individuals into the community is a large part of what providers and MCBDD do collaboratively.

The goal is to increase independence and teach the skills necessary for those served to be productive community members. Enhancing life skills opens opportunities for greater community integration while increasing confidence and self-advocacy. Providers assist with transportation, day services, residential services, budgeting, grocery shopping, cooking, first aid, community integration, employment, social skills and much more.

The County Board of DD serves all ages and is encouraging everyone to accept a community challenge to meet someone new, learn about those who are slightly different, volunteer for the Special Olympics, or employ someone with a developmental disability.