Each year in March the Arkansas Council works with our national association, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, and other partners in Arkansas and across the United States, to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. We promote acceptance and inclusion, as well as increase awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still face in connecting to the communities in which they live.
The 2024 theme is “A World of Opportunities” – we’re celebrating people and working together to remove obstacles. Our goal is to build a community that’s committed to creating a world where everyone can do well and succeed. Join us in making a world where all kinds of people have the chance to thrive.
This year artist Lee Waters allowed her piece “What?” to be used as the artwork for DD Awareness Month.
Artist Credit: Lee Waters, Anchorage, AK
www.leewaters.org
During March, the Council staff will host weekly virtual office hours with the staff via Zoom.
March Office Hours Schedule
- Friday, March 1, 2024 (12:30p-2p) –
TOPIC: Join the Council
Learn how to join GCDD, another board, or council. Get tips on the Arkansas Boards & Commissions application process. Participate in discussion on what it takes to serve (time, effort, transportation, needed support, etc.) - Friday, March 8, 2024 (1p-2p) –
TOPIC: You’re Invited – What to Expect in a Council Meeting
Staff will extend an invitation to the GCDD quarterly meeting (March 14th). We will share information on “what to expect” in a board or council meeting (introduction to Roberts Rules of Order, examples of language you may encounter, etc.). - Friday, March 15, 2024 (1p-2p) –
TOPIC: Useful Planning Tools for Your Best Life-Your Way
An introduction to person-centered planning, including a discussion about using Charting the LifeCourse and other tools to increase self-determination through supported decision-making. Live your life, your way, with the supports you need. - Friday, March 22, 2024 (1p-2p) –
TOPIC: The Great North American Eclipse
A discussion about the April 8 Eclipse and situational awareness (we will talk about the state expecting a large number of visitors, how our regular schedules may change for that week, etc.). Situational awareness is about knowing what is going on around a person.
Please contact Scottie York to register and receive the Zoom login information:
Scottie York, Finance and Operations Coordinator
501-682-6890
scottie.york@dfa.arkansas.gov
Social Media
You can use these hashtags online to join the conversation
#DDawareness2024
#DDAM2024
#AWorldofOpportunities
Learn more about the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities DDAM2024 campaign by visiting their webpage here.
History of DDAM
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan made a public proclamation that the month of March should be recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to “increase public awareness of the needs and potential of Americans with developmental disabilities.” Though our mission remains largely the same, so much has changed since 1987. While we still aim to increase public awareness, our focus has shifted to the importance of inclusion and acceptance.