Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Breaking down barriers

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to recognize the many contributions made by youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and raise awareness of the challenges that remain for people with developmental disabilities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about one in six children in the U.S., between the ages of 3 and 17, have one or more developmental disabilities (e.g., autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, learning disorders). According to a recent study, the percentage of children in this age group diagnosed with developmental disabilities increased from 16.2 percent in 2009 to 17.8 percent in 2017.

“At Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, we strongly believe individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can make a meaningful and positive difference in their homes, schools and communities, and should be given the same opportunities for inclusion, access and equality as those without disabilities,” said Devereux Vice President of Operations – Adult Services Stephen Bruce, M.Ed., BCBA. “People with developmental disabilities are an integral part of our society – they have hopes and dreams like everyone else. These individuals deserve our respect, acceptance and assistance in achieving their goals and leading fulfilling lives.”

Common barriers to accessibility

The CDC states that youth and adults with developmental disabilities often face barriers that can make it challenging to function on a daily basis. Common barriers include:

Attitudinal: Negative attitudes based on a lack of knowledge of people with developmental disabilities.
Communication: Barriers experienced by individuals who use alternative ways of communicating due to disabilities that affect hearing, speaking, reading, writing or understanding.
Physical: Physical environments that prevent mobility or access.
Policy: Services, systems or policies that are either nonexistent or that hinder individuals from being involved in everyday life.
Programmatic: Lack of accessible medical equipment or insufficient time set aside for medical examinations or procedures.
Social: Limited opportunities for employment, education, training or support.
Transportation: Lack of accessible or convenient transportation that hinders a person’s ability to achieve greater independence.

“In order to help individuals with developmental disabilities reach their full and unique potential, we need to break down these barriers,” Bruce explained. “We can do this by making an effort to understand the needs of these individuals; allowing youth and adults the opportunity to make their own decisions and choices based on their preferences; and providing opportunities for individuals to work, volunteer or participate in social groups and activities.”

Increasing awareness; promoting inclusion

Each year, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) partners with the Association for University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) and the National Disabilities Rights Network (NDRN) to launch a campaign to showcase the work being done to celebrate and improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. This year, NACDD is encouraging the public to share stories on social media throughout the month of March – using the Twitter hashtag #DDAwareness20.

In addition, March 4, 2020, is national “Spread the Word Day,” which highlights the importance of inclusion. Schools, workplaces and communities across the country hold events on Spread the Word Day and throughout the year to demonstrate their commitment to creating socially inclusive places for youth and adults with developmental disabilities to learn, work and live.

Devereux’s intellectual and developmental disabilities services

As part of Devereux’s continuum of care, the organization provides innovative programs and services for children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities, which vary by state, and include:

Treatment in residential settings
Community-based living
Outpatient and other specialized services
Special education day schools
Therapeutic foster care
Employment and transition services

Learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

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