Every March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and our partners and council members celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) highlights how people with and without disabilities come together to form strong communities. DDAM raises awareness of the inclusion and contributions of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life, and it’s a time to explore the work we still need to do to remove barriers.

With this year’s them; ‘A World of Opportunities’, we’re celebrating people and working together to remove obstacles. Our goal is to build a community that’s committed to creating a world where everyone can do well and succeed.

Just remember to use the hashtag #DDawareness2024, #DDAM2024, #AWorldofOpportunities or #NewOpportunities when posting this month!

Celebrating World Down Syndrome Awareness Day: March 21st!

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) , March 21st , is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

Raise Your Voice and Take Action!

As legislators are gearing up for their final votes on the 2025 New York State Executive Budget later this month, we have been working hard to get the word directly to our State Leaders to tell them to support our request for a 3.2% Cost-of-Living (COLA), and establish a Direct Support Wage Enhancement (DSWE.)  We are urgently asking you to contact your legislators through our one-click campaign before they make their final decision next week. It only takes seconds. Every letter gives strength to o ur advocacy efforts and increases our chances of greater success in reaching our goals.

Your Right to Vote!

Everyone in our democracy deserves a voice, including those in the disability community. Voting is your constitutional right and your civic responsibility. It is one of the most powerful ways you can make a difference in our country.  Make your voice heard. Click on OneVoteNow, a tool to help make sure you can exercise your right to vote.

“It’s Possible” 

This inspiring video from The Arc of the United States shows how those with I/DD are a part of every community!

As always, our services take place by embracing our mission and practicing our five core values:

Fostering Independence  •  Ensuring Safety
Cultivating Relationships  •  Promoting Happiness
Supporting Good Health

Just remember to use the hashtag #DDawareness2024, #DDAM2024, #AWorldofOpportunities or #NewOpportunities when posting this month!

If you have any questions about our organization and our services,
make your inquiry on our contact page.