March is Development Disabilities Awareness Month

FREMONT - The Sandusky County Board of Developmental Disablities is participating in National Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each March.

National DD Awareness Month aims to spread awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities while educating the public on the barriers that they continue to face. This year's theme is "celebrating inclusion.”

As the local board celebrates inclusion for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the agency has a host of awareness activities scheduled for March.

Billboard Awareness Campaign

With the theme for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month this year being "Celebrating Inclusion," five billboards in and around Sandusky County are carrying the board's message of inclusion including one billboard featuring Jon “Big Nut” Peters with his next-door neighbor and People First of Ohio self-advocate, Justin.

Visit to the Ohio Statehouse

Sandusky County Self-Advocates and Sandusky County Board of DD Leadership traveled to the Ohio Statehouse on March 1 to meet with state representatives to discuss important quality-of-life concerns affecting Ohioans with disabilities.

Leadership Day

Self-Advocates for the Sandusky County Board of DD will host a contingent of local community leaders regarding issues affecting their quality of life from 9 to 11 a.m. March 21 at SCBDD.

Community Basketball Game

The agency will wrap up its celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in a unique way. At 6 p.m. March 30 at Fremont Middle School, community "celebrities" and Sandusky County Special Olympians will team up for a basketball exhibition contest. Admission is free. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

The history of DD Awareness Month traces back to 1987, when President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with disabilities ‘the encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.” In the last 36 years, there have been many positive shifts in empowering inclusion in the world of developmental disabilities.

"During the month of March, we are excited to continue to spread awareness about inclusion,’” said SCBDD Superintendent Sarah Zimmerman. “Through collaboration with local organizations, schools, and the community, we have come so far in the DD field. Our goal is to continue to break any and all barriers, while spreading the important message that all perspectives are valued, including those of individuals with disabilities,” she continued.

The Sandusky County Board of DD serves more than 650 eligible children and adults in the County through a wide range of programming, supports, and services. For additional information, visit scbdd.org and follow along during DD Awareness Month visit facebook.com/SanduskyCountyBoardofDD.