Get Connected During DD Awareness Month

(Tallmadge, Ohio) – The Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board, or Summit DD, urges the community to connect and inspire one other during National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Each March, Summit DD celebrates National Developmental Disabilities Awareness (DD Awareness) Month along with national and state disability organizations. It is a time of the year when organizations, like Summit DD, can help bring more awareness to the abilities that each person has to offer within his or her community. The Agency highlights the strong network of supports available to those with disabilities and offers inclusive events that are meant to bring people of all abilities together.

“One way to celebrate is to focus on individuals’ success stories,” shared Summit DD’s Superintendent John Trunk. “These successes ultimately help pave the way for others. By sharing these success stories and videos, people in the community can start new conversations and help change their community – making it a place that welcomes and embraces every ability.”

Summit DD is also promoting a number of Awareness events in March (and all year long) to encourage inclusion, such as:

• March 8, Summit DD Advocacy Day: Join Summit DD for a morning of empowerment as they celebrate Advocacy Day. Mirroring the Advocacy Day rally at the statehouse, this local version focuses on the importance of self-advocacy. Details at SummitDD.org/Events.
• March 12, Siffrin Night at the Canton Charge: Celebrate DD Awareness Month with the Canton Charge and Siffrin, an organization devoted to supporting the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.
• March 16, Inclusion Pride Day: March 16 is Inclusion Pride Day! Wear orange to show your support for people of all abilities. Share photos on Facebook and Twitter using #IncludeME.
• March 21-31, Feedback Sessions: Summit DD wants to hear from you, the residents of Summit County. As they continue to plan for the future, they want your feedback about the future of the organization.
• March 29, Summit DD Appreciation Breakfast: Summit DD says thank you to those who support their mission and recognizes the achievements of people who help to build inclusive communities.
• April 16, Transition Expo: The Summit County Employment First Transition Team is hosting an expo for teens and families looking to transition from school to adult life. This event is for anyone looking for information about services in Summit County to youth with disabilities. Details at SummitDD.org/Events.
• June 19, Summit DD Inclusion Day with the Akron RubberDucks: Summit DD will host its second annual Inclusion Day with the Akron RubberDucks as they take over Canal Park to celebrate the abilities of every citizen.

To share success stories or participate in an awareness event, visit SummitDD.org/events.

National DD Awareness Month began in 1987 through a proclamation issued by President Ronald Reagan. His intentions were to mark the month through activities and efforts directed toward increasing public awareness about the needs of Americans with developmental disabilities. In the proclamation Reagan urges Americans to increase awareness and support people with developmental disabilities.

Summit DD is the community resource that connects more than 4,000 adults and children with developmental disabilities and their families to services and supports in Summit County. It is the Organization’s mission to connect people with disabilities to supports that empower each individual to contribute to their own success and to that of their community. More information regarding the Agency is available online at SummitDD.org.