Akron Life March 2022

SUMMIT DD

text and photo provided by the Summit County Developmental Disabi l ities Board

Celebrating DD Awareness Month Learn ways to get involved.

MARCH IS DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH!

We’re looking forward to a month full of activities, events and spotlights to help bring people together and make Summit County a place where every one feels included. Help us make our community more inclusive for people of every ability by joining our month-long celebration. Need ideas? Check these out: 3/7 Inclusion Day Help us paint the county orange to kick off DD Awareness Month and promote commu nity inclusion. Check out our website for downloadable activities and ideas. SummitDD.org 3/5-3/7 Inclusion Day(s) at the Zoo Join Summit DD and the Akron Zoo for some good, inclusive fun! Did we mention it’s on us? Visit SummitDD. org/Events for details. 3/29 Appreciation Breakfast and Awards Celebration Join us as we honor everyday heroes who continue to make a difference in our community. 3/1–3/31: Celebration of Appreciation Award Winners Check out our Facebook page all month long to meet local inclu sion champions and see how they are changing perceptions in our community. 3/1–3/31 DIY: Visit our website for downloadable profile badges, stickers and posters.

©SummitDD

LEARN MORE AT SUMMITDD.ORG

WHAT IS NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH? National Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month officially began in 1987 with a proclama tion from former President Ronald Reagan to help bring awareness and acceptance for people of every ability. Since then, families, self-advocates, advocacy groups and Ohio’s county boards have been working to increase oppor tunities for people with disabilities. But there’s still more progress to be made.

GET STARTED!

We are committed to helping people reach their full potential through mean ingful connections, but we need your help to make lasting progress. This March, ask yourself if you are doing all you can to make your community welcoming for people of every ability. Send us a message at SummitDD.org/Contact-Us • Are you looking to hire people with disabilities? We can help connect and support your business. • Do you want to get involved or vol unteer? Check out opportunities with some of our partners. • Does your organization need help to become more inclusive? Contact us and let us help. • Get involved and be part of the change.

46

a k r o n l i f e . c o m | M A R C H 2 0 2 2