March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Learn the History and How you can Help!
It is certainly a positive step that we have a month dedicated to bringing awareness to people living with developmental disabilities. However, disabled students are still subjected to bullying at alarming rates. The unemployment rate for people living with a disability is over 65% leaving many living in poverty. Hurtful words are still much too commonplace, and disabled individuals are much more likely to experience incidents of abuse and neglect.
Although we should always be focused on examining all of the social privileges we hold, I would encourage you this month to pay even closer attention to your able-bodied privilege. Examples include:
- I can attend social events without worrying if they will be accessible to me.
- I can be reasonably assured that I won’t be late for meetings due to mobility barriers.
- I can turn on the television and see people of my ability level widely and accurately represented.
- When speaking with medical professionals, I can expect them to understand how my body works and respect my decisions.
- I can choose to share my life with someone without it being seen as a disadvantage to them.
A quarter century after the establishment of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, this country has changed for the better in many ways. But there are still challenges ahead if we are committed to building an inclusive society that recognizes the dignity, humanity, and worth of everyone.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
