Article Body
Department of Human Services
For Immediate Release
For More Information: Patty Warkenthein, 773-5990
"People with Disabilities are People with Possibilities" is the theme for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. It is a time to recognize people across the state who have mental retardation and/or other developmental disabilities as active citizens, good workers and good neighbors.
The goal is to increase the public's awareness and understanding of people who have mental retardation and other developmental disabilities so these citizens will have increased access in our community to employment, education, housing, and social opportunities.
The theme for DD Awareness Month is People with Disabilities are People with Possibilities. This places the focus on what a person with a developmental disability can do. Once we focus on their abilities and talents, we can really help individuals with developmental disabilities reach their potential.
Developmental disabilities is a broad term that encompasses both mental and physical conditions such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, spina bifada, and autism. People with developmental disabilities may experience difficulty in such areas as self-care, language, mobility, learning, self-direction, independent living or self-sufficiency.
For more information about mental retardation and other developmental disabilities call the South Dakota Council on Developmental Disabilities at 605-773-6369 or the South Dakota University Affiliated Program at 1-800-658-3080 or South Dakota Advocacy Services at 1-800-658-4782.
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Read the Governor's Proclamation.
SD Council on Developmental Disabilities