Intellectual Disability Awareness Month
At DBHIDS, we keep the emphasis on “ability,” rather than disability.
March is Intellectual disAbility Awareness Month, a time to increase focus and intention on educating and advocating for people with developmental disabilities.
It’s time to promote inclusivity. It’s a time to listen and learn. Because people with intellectual disabilities are people we all can learn more about because of their unique experiences and perspectives – and we can learn from.
Intellectual Disability Awareness Month began in 1987 as National Disability Awareness Month when President Reagan called to “urge 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.”
DBHIDS is dedicated to ensuring everyone gets the opportunities they deserve to enjoy an everyday life while feeling productive and secure.
In March, we take extra steps to raise awareness about the support and rights of people with disabilities and to celebrate their contributions to our communities in general and society as a whole.
Did You Know?
In the United States, about 6.5 million people experience intellectual disability.
About 16 percent of the residents here in Philadelphia live with emotional, intellectual, and/or physical disabilities.
Brighter Future Awards
In recognition of Intellectual Disability Awareness Month, we honor those making a brighter future for those with disabilities in Philadelphia.
The Brighter Futures Awards are for individuals from all walks of life: neighbors, people with disabilities, teachers, friends, family, employers, co-workers, spiritual leaders, civic groups/organizations, self-advocates, medical professionals, political leaders, and business owners who have made extraordinary efforts to assist people with an intellectual disability and or autism.