Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Proclaimed For March

CITY OF POTOSI PROCLAIMS ‘DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH’ – The City of Potosi’s Mayor, Joe Blount, delivered a City Proclamation to staff and clients from the Pam Dudley Center, on North Missouri Street, on Friday, March 18th, 2022. The Proclamation draws attention to the need for public awareness and support of those who face disability challenges. The Mayor said he was happy to sign the document and urge the citizens of the community to keep those individuals who have disability challenges in mind each and every day, and especially in this special month of March, 2022.

Thirty-five years ago, spurred by advocates across the nation, then-President Ronald Reagan declared March to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month urging “all Americans to join me in according to our fellow citizens with such disabilities both encouragement and the opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”

In observance of DD Awareness Month everyone is being encouraged to celebrate the strengths and achievements of Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

After decades of progress, today people with I/DD are living and working in the community, pursuing higher education, growing their faith and making their voices heard. Lisa King, Director, Pam Dudley Center and Washington County SB40 Board, are inviting residents of Potosi and the surrounding communities to participate in National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month throughout March. This national observance offers a chance to learn more about the vital contributions that people with disabilities are making in our neighborhoods.

This year, our nation continues to address a variety of issues, seeking to provide security - in every sense of the word - for all Americans and ensure that each one of us has the opportunity to pursue our dreams and to contribute our own unique talents to the fabric of our communities. The diversity that enriches our nation and the freedoms that all Americans cherish are embodied in the lives of people with disabilities- those whose interests are often overlooked and whose needs are often unmet when budgets are tight and people are busy.

This year’s theme “Worlds Imagined,” is intended to urge the community, to embrace the richness of America’s diversity by considering the talents of all people, including people with developmental disabilities and the needs everyone has, day to day.

People First of Washington County (WCHS) is a Local Self-Advocacy Chapter that has several Individuals with Disabilities on their board and in the Chapter. People First Chapters are run by and for Individuals with Disabilities. Everyone on the board and in the Chapter has a disability. They urge you to help celebrate National Developmental Disability Awareness Month March, 2022.

Please join in and help celebrate National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2022.

In an effort to celebrate and recognize people with developmental disabilities, Potosi Mayor Joe Blount proclaimed March “National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month” during a Proclamation signing ceremony at Potosi City Hall on Friday, March 18th.

The Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities ((DD) serves individuals with developmental disabilities such as cognitive disabilities, cerebral palsy, head injuries, autism, epilepsy, and certain learning disabilities.

Rolla Regional Office is the primary point of entry into the system for the following counties: Camden, Crawford, Dent, Franklin, Gasconade, Iron, Maries, Miller, Osage, Pulaski, Phelps, St. Francois, Texas, and Washington. Regional offices purchase services from contracted agencies licensed by the Department of Mental Health or other national accrediting agencies.

Service Coordination is available in every county. Service coordinators provide case management and are responsible for assisting with advocacy, linking people to services and assuring the health and safety of the individual supported.

Regional Office staff are available to explain service coordination options in your county.

Some of the services the Rolla Regional Office provides include:

• Intake and Eligibility

• Employment Resource
and Youth Transition

• Autism Services

• Self Directed Services

• Advocacy

• Family Support

• Behavior Resource Team

Celebrate the people who make up the community, including everyone from all walks of life!