We’re Here All Year: Beyond Awareness Months
by GCDD Staff
Every March, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) serves as a powerful reminder that with the proper supports and services, individuals with developmental disabilities are dynamic contributors to the community of their choosing. That individuals 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.
While March provides an opportunity for heightened awareness, true awareness happens when we commit to creating accessible environments and productive opportunities year-round and championed every day—not just in March.
Every April, during Autism Acceptance Month, we revive the discussion of awareness vs. acceptance. We – in the movement – have reached an awareness and accept that autism is a natural part of human existence. Now we need the world to accept.
Acceptance is about respect and understanding for those on the autism spectrum.
Acceptance is about embracing the strengths of individuals with neurodivergence.
While April provides an opportunity to energize our advocacy efforts, acceptance is ongoing – something we do every day, throughout the year.
Embracing True Inclusion Beyond Awareness Months: Year-Round Action
When people with developmental disabilities have access to education, employment, and full participation, they contribute to their local community like everyone else. When they work, they shop in their local stores, patronize restaurants, attend school, and pay rent and taxes.
As we continue to celebrate awareness months, we must also acknowledge a crucial truth: awareness is not a one-month initiative. The spirit of awareness, understanding, and action must be extended throughout the year.
It takes all of us to build a state where we all participate, live, and thrive. Arkansans with developmental disabilities want the same opportunities and options to take charge of their own life.
Being truly in the community means more than just receiving supports; it requires action, year-round action.
Employers must recognize the talents and capabilities of individuals with developmental disabilities by providing meaningful job opportunities and training programs. Schools should prioritize education, ensuring students with disabilities receive the necessary tools to succeed. Public spaces and businesses should strive for greater accessibility, ensuring everyone can fully participate in society regardless of ability.
This year GCDD is embracing the idea that “We’re Here All Year” and we are turning that into action. People with developmental disabilities are not only present in our communities during specific awareness months—they are our neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and friends every single day. Their voices, talents, and perspectives enrich our society in countless ways. Their input helps the Council craft strategic plans that truly address the specific needs of our Arkansas intellectual and developmental disability community.
As individuals, businesses, and policymakers, we are collectively responsible for promoting year-round involvement. By becoming trusted advisors and sounding boards, developing and supporting inclusive hiring practices, or simply practicing everyday kindness and understanding, we can contribute to a more just and accessible world.
Back to Basics
Based on community feedback, the Council is getting back to the basics in our education and information activities. We aim to provide clear and comprehensive information about who we are and what we do for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as highlight additional resources that may be available to you or your loved ones.
In 2025, the GCDD is committed to prioritizing community feedback and engagement. This year, our focus is on conducting statewide needs assessment activities, which involve actively reaching out across Arkansas to gather public input on the specific needs of the intellectual and developmental disabilities community. This will help our members build our next five-year plan. We encourage community members to connect with us as we visit various areas throughout the state until May, and we invite you to follow our social media channels for updates and opportunities to share your insights. Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to enhance the service system in Arkansas and improve access to community supports through collaboration with individuals, families, and caregivers.
In 2025, let’s all move beyond awareness and embrace action. You don’t have to act alone, we can do this together.
April Events
April Events
April 8th
DD Network Listening Sessions
• Warren Public Library, 115 W. Cypress St., Warren
⏱️Afternoon Session: 3 – 4:30 PM
⏱️Evening Session: 6 – 7:30 PM
https://facebook.com/events/s/dd-network-listening-sessions/936717518537689/?mibextid=RQdjqZ
April 12th
Arkansas Autism Foundation’s Autism Walk & Festival
•War Memorial Stadium, 1 Stadium Dr, Little Rock
⏱️ 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
https://facebook.com/events/s/autism-festival-walk/493357217121790/?mibextid=RQdjqZ
Arkansas PAC 12th Annual Disability Resource Expo & Family Bistro Conference
•Cabot Veterans Park Community Center 508 N Lincoln Street, Cabot
⏱️ 9 AM – 4 PM
https://facebook.com/events/s/12th-annual-disability-resourc/1097016265434282/?mibextid=RQdjqZ
DD Network Listening Sessions at the PAC Family Bistro
• Veterans Park Community Center, 508 N Lincoln Street, Cabot
⏱️ Afternoon Session: 2:20 PM – 3:50 PM
⏱️ Evening Session: 5:30 PM – 7 PM
https://facebook.com/events/s/dd-network-listening-sessions/1009692087273386/?mibextid=RQdjqZ
April 17
Myers-Davis Life Coaching Career Competition
•Southside Charter High School, 70 Scott Dr, Batesville
⏱️ 9 AM – 2 PM
https://facebook.com/events/s/5th-annual-career-competition/1186696626339958/?mibextid=RQdjqZ
April 19
Adults on the Autism Spectrum – Monthly Support Group Meeting
•River City Coffee, 2913 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock
⏱️ 10:30AM to 12 Noon
April 24th
DD Network Listening Sessions
• White River Health Center, Josephine Roger Conference Room B, 1710 Harrison St., Batesville
⏱️Afternoon Session: 3 – 4:30 PM
⏱️Evening Session: 6 – 7:30 PM
https://facebook.com/events/s/dd-network-listening-sessions/1025906742721036/?mibextid=RQdjqZ
