In March 1987, Ronald Reagan issued a Presidential Proclamation that called upon Americans to provide the “encouragement and opportunities” necessary for people with developmental disabilities to reach their potential. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DD Awareness) promotes the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all areas of community life and raises awareness about the barriers that people with disabilities still face in connecting to the communities in which they live. Throughout the month, DDS, the DD Council, and several partnering agencies will host a series of events to celebrate the contributions and talents of people with developmental disabilities. Check out our schedule of events below.
Mayor Bowsers Issues Proclamation for DD Awareness Month
March 5, 2021, 7-9 pm – Movie Night - Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GE0_wSkjTmWVYzUaH-tbQQ
Virtual viewing of the film highlighting the groundbreaking summer camp galvanizes a group of teens with disabilities to help build a movement, forging a new path toward greater equality.
March 10, 2021, 4-5 pm - Taller para padres y cuidadores: Mi Cuidado y Bienestar Personal (Held in Spanish and translated into ASL and English)
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEqc--uqTkpGd37hp2DA2ez0_PEGPIJsjJ_
The goal of the event is to provide Spanish-speaking people with disabilities with information about services and support and learn strategies on self-care to stay healthy. The speakers will be Jacqueline Nunez of the Department on Disability Services and Rocio Ruiz, Senior Coordinator of Community and Family Services at the YAI Network.
March 19, 2021, 2-3 pm - Creating your Employment Profile
ttps://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAkd-uhpjMqEt15V1YfJ8lILoUD5rSc2YQZ
The event's goal is to provide information on employment services in the District for people with disabilities and provide attendees the opportunity to create their Employment one-page profile. The speakers will be J. Michelle Johnson of OSSE and Kevin Wright of DDS.
March 24, 2021, 4-5 pm - People with Disabilities in the Arts
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jb_yLD7ZR_Wq5rBJHMZURg
This event will highlight people with disabilities in film – both in front of and behind the camera! We will have a panel discussion moderated by a member of Project ACTION!
March 31, 2021, 3-4:30 pm - DD Awareness Month Celebration
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvd-msrT8rG9Ap8zNx8htAD-5EGTDoIfMY
This event is the annual event celebrating the accomplishments and showcasing the excellent work that is being done to celebrate and improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities.
