March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). The annual campaign highlights how people with and without disabilities come together to form strong communities.
President Ronald Reagan established Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month back in 1987 to highlight the importance of fostering a society where people with disabilities are empowered to contribute to their communities.
People with developmental and intellectual disabilities go to school, volunteer, and participate in their community – just like all of us — people like some of the children at Millcreek.
Millcreek of Magee is an adolescent residential treatment center for children. They offer residential treatment and home-based programs for children and adolescents struggling with intellectual disabilities.
A local nonprofit decided to participate in the month-long event by giving back to the clients of Millcreek.
“We’re using the annual awareness month as an opportunity to express love to children often overlooked in the community, hoping to make them feel extra loved, supported, and valued,” said Katina’s Klassroom founder Katina Rankin.
“One of the greatest gifts you can give a child is the assurance that they are loved. Doing something special for a child is one way to say I love you,” Rankin continued.
The facility’s website says it all — “Millcreek is dedicated to changing the lives of children and adolescents who are struggling with depression, addiction, and developmental disabilities. Our goal is to create lasting changes in the lives of those we touch, one person at a time, one day at a time.”
So, this month and every day, plan a special way to make people with developmental and intellectual disabilities feel loved.
“When we are engaged and involved in our local community, it is a win-win for everyone,” said Rankin.
