National Disabilities Awareness Month
It can be both thrilling and overwhelming to realize we have much capacity to continue our journey of awareness when it comes to anyone different from ourselves. March brings an intentional and unified awareness surrounding the topic of disabilities as National Disabilities Awareness Month and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM).
A simple glance at our communities’ demographics will show us the importance of continuing our efforts in this awareness. We’ve come so far, and yet there is much work to do to continue to support those around us who live with disabilities. We desire to promote understanding of the diversity all around us! We become stronger, and we become more effective in caring for others when we do.
A brief history
National Disabilities Awareness Month was established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan. But before then, John F. Kennedy was instrumental in catalyzing legislation that would bring heightened awareness and resources for those with disabilities. It was an issue close to home for him, as his sister, Rosemary, was born with intellectual disabilities. With his efforts and grassroots organizations bringing more awareness, the general public began to catch on to the importance of the necessary changes needed for their communities with disabilities.
Since then, awareness and opportunities for inclusion have grown in communities and workplaces. Equal opportunity mindsets, medical coverages, long-term care, and other large sectors of our day-to-day life have shifted, rightly so. Awareness often can and should lead people to action. We see it in workplace opportunities and various support programs to help raise awareness and resources for our friends who manage disabilities.
How you can celebrate
Truly, the best first step in celebrating is awareness of what you are celebrating. We intentionally focus our attention on those who live with disabilities, but we don’t end there. From our attention to this topic comes awareness, and from awareness springs action for inclusion and celebration of diversity. Here are some ways you can be intentional this month as you acknowledge National Disabilities Awareness Month:
Educate your sphere of influence.
Take time with your team this month to educate yourselves on the history of National Disabilities Awareness Month and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Do you know the journey from where it started to where it is now? Are you aware of current needs in your own community? Who can you bring in to educate your team? What organizations can you begin to build relationships with to show support?
Highlight the accomplishments of those with disabilities in your community.
One of the ways we show support is by making space for everyone to be represented! The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) showcases artwork from those who live with various developmental disabilities. You can find examples of this and download the images on their website. By making space in this way of representation, you show its importance to you and you spur others to recognize the importance as well! Share posts this month with #DDAM2022
Own your part in inclusion.
This one hits closer to home. What are ways your organization can recognize areas for growth? Are you hitting the bare minimum when it comes to inclusion for those with disabilities? Or do you seek to find ways to actively include and promote opportunities in your workplace? One way to do this well, according to an article called, How to Include People with Disabilities, is to give people with disabilities a seat at the table. With firsthand experience, they will bring representation and should be present in each level of leadership! This is how we “make sure people with disabilities are part of the solution” (Respect Ability). Here are other ideas from this article to spark an opportunity for more inclusion in this area:
Ensure your facility is welcoming to those with disabilities (widened doorways, accessible restrooms, automatic doors, ramps, etc.)
Be ready to understand the role and need of a personal care assistant if needed
Assess the language used within your workplace and ensure it is welcoming to those with disabilities. (Remember “people first” language. Do not define someone by his or her disability. And it’s ok to ask someone how they prefer to be identified.)
Take an intentional look at how inclusive your practices are for those with disabilities. And be willing to have a professional in this area assess how you could be even better!
Everyone wins when you grow toward awareness and inclusion!
