Developmental Disability Awareness Month

March is National Developmental Disability Awareness Month. Throughout the country, organizations are sponsoring community events to redirectthe public's attention to what individuals with developmental disabilities can do instead of what they cannot do.

Below is our local proclamation:

WHEREAS a developmental disability is a condition which affects more than 7 million Americans and families;

WHEREAS public awareness and education enhance a community’s understanding of the issues affecting people with developmental disabilities;

WHEREAS persons with developmental disabilities are vital and vibrant members of our communities, improving the quality of life for all of us;

WHEREAS the month of March has been designated National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, with more than 120,000 members and 1,000 chapters of The Arc undertaking public awareness, educational, and fund-raising initiatives;

WHEREAS The Arc of Whatcom County is the area’s leading volunteer-based organization advocating for and with people with developmental disabilities and their families;

THEREFORE Dan Pike, Mayor of the City of Bellingham, and Pete Kremen, Whatcom County Executive, do hereby proclaim March 2008 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County and urge all citizens to give full support of efforts towards enabling people with developmental disabilities to live full and productive lives of inclusion in our communities.