Breaking Myths and Building Inclusion: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March 21, 2025
Every March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and its partners lead Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). This annual campaign highlights how people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, inclusive communities. Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska is proud to support this initiative by shedding light on common myths and stigmas that inaccurately define people with developmental disabilities.
We're Here All Year
The 2025 theme, We’re Here All Year, reminds us that inclusion and accessibility should not be limited to a single month. Instead, they should be celebrated and reinforced every day. People with developmental disabilities are valuable members of our communities and deserve full participation in all aspects of life, including education, employment, recreation, and civic engagement.
Established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month was created to highlight the importance of fostering a society where people with disabilities are empowered to contribute to their communities. While March provides an opportunity for increased awareness, true progress happens when we actively create accessible environments and meaningful opportunities year-round.
Challenging Myths and Stigmas
"This month, we are highlighting common myths and stigmas that are inaccurately attributed to people with developmental disabilities. Make sure and check our Facebook page for these facts," stated Laura Schenk, Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska's Director of Developmental Disability Services.
Misconceptions about developmental disabilities often stem from a lack of understanding. Some of the most common myths include:
- Myth: People with developmental disabilities cannot work or contribute to society.
- Fact: Many individuals with developmental disabilities are gainfully employed, running businesses, volunteering, and making significant contributions in their fields.
- Myth: People with developmental disabilities cannot live independently.
- Fact: With the right support, many individuals live independently, manage their own households, and participate fully in their communities.
- Myth: Having a developmental disability means a person is not intelligent.
- Fact: Intelligence levels vary among all people, and individuals with developmental disabilities have diverse talents, skills, and perspectives that enrich society.
By addressing these misconceptions, we can help create a more inclusive and supportive community.
Join the Movement
Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska encourages everyone to take part in Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month by learning, sharing, and advocating for a more inclusive society. Follow us on Facebook as we continue to break down barriers and celebrate the contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Together, we can ensure that inclusion and accessibility are not just a focus in March but a commitment we uphold all year long.
Learn more about Goodwill's Developmental Disability Services: https://goodwillne.org/How-We-Help/Developmental-Disability-Services
Learn more about Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: https://nacdd.org/ddam2025/