Pushing Beyond Awareness
This March, we are celebrating Developmental Disability Awareness Month! At ADEC, we are consistently working to raise awareness and advocate for the individuals we serve. That’s why this month, we are pushing beyond awareness to create belonging and opportunity, and showcasing the abilities of all people.
Beyond Awareness: Belonging, Opportunity, & Ability
Developmental disabilities include a variety of conditions that can cause difficulties with communication, social interaction, mobility, or academic performance. ADEC supports people in every stage of life by accommodating specific needs and creating systems that recognize the abilities of those often overlooked.
While the world is becoming more welcoming and accessible to people with disabilities, there is still work to be done. Developmental Disability Awareness Month challenges stereotypes, reduces barriers, celebrates abilities, and encourages community members to create accessible spaces and equal opportunities.
This month, we will be showcasing how awareness can turn into real opportunities by sharing personal stories and educational content. Community, respect, and equal rights are the backbone of creating a support system and a purpose for the individuals we serve. ADEC’s programs work diligently to foster these necessary relationships!
The Self-Advocates of ADEC emphasize abilities over disabilities and help build independence through education, communication, and community outreach. This influential ADEC program focuses on understanding individual rights, encourages self-advocacy, and ignites independence. The Self-Advocates of ADEC and all ADEC programming have the goal of empowering people with disabilities to live fulfilled lives in their communities.
Approximately 16 million Americans have a developmental disability.
Awareness is the first step in disability advocacy. The individuals we serve thrive when they have a sense of belonging, an opportunity to grow, and access to meaningful inclusion. ADEC programming enables this growth. We need your help to continue these programs and support the next generation of people with disabilities! Here are ways you can make a meaningful impact in your community.
Advocate
Advocacy can look different for every person. It could be making an effort to use inclusive language or writing a letter to state leaders with ideas about inclusivity in your town. It could also look like volunteering your time or making a donation to support individuals and organizations in need.
Donate
Donations enable ADEC to serve the people we support. Either monetary donations to support programming and experiences, or in-kind donations like art supplies, vocational activities, or puzzles and games. Your donations enable individuals with the opportunity to take full advantage of the life-changing programs ADEC offers.
Get Involved
Volunteering makes so many of our events and programs possible. Whether our volunteers are helping in day programs, offering their unique skills at summer camp, or assisting at special events, your efforts make a lasting impact on the people we serve. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on volunteer opportunities, events, and all things ADEC!
