Author: Ryan Hill
Art by Gary Murrel
March 19, 2019 – Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed March 2018 as “Intellectual and Developmental Disability Awareness Month,” and in doing so commends North Carolinians living with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, as well as the organizations and agencies that work with them.
About 200,000 people in North Carolina live with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, and many may be unable to reach their full potential because of societal barriers and challenges. However, the Proclamation highlights businesses, organizations, and individuals, along with the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities and the NC Department of Health and Human Services for “working to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy, capacity building, and systems change.”
For example, the Council works with partners across the state to help those living with intellectual and other disabilities increase financial security, community living, and advocacy.
“The Council’s initiatives help those living with intellectual and other developmental disabilities have more choices,” said Chris Egan, Senior Director at NC DHHS.
Advocacy events are scheduled across the state to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, including Down Syndrome Advocacy Day at the North Carolina General Assembly in Raleigh on March 19 and “Field of Dreams Fest” at Winston-Salem’s BB&T Ballpark on March 30.
Visit the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities website for more information about these and other events.