Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Employees from VIP Industries proudly display the candy baskets they made for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

In honor of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, employees of VIP Industries delivered candy bouquets to area businesses this week. It is the hope of the company that this simple gesture will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the vital contributions individuals with disabilities make in our communities.

"Look Beyond" is the theme for this year's National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. VIP Industries and other related organizations such as the Association for persons with Intellectual Disabilities (AID), celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness month in March, and invite you to consider the true meaning of this year's theme "Look Beyond."

Statewide, and across the nation, organizations devoted to serving individuals with developmental disabilities are planning special events in March to raise public awareness of the many abilities people have, regardless of disability. "Look Beyond" encourages people to understand that when people with disabilities are welcomed into local neighborhoods, workplaces, houses of worship, and schools, everyone wins.

"This is a time when our organization focuses on encouraging the public to better understand the individuals we serve," said Lori Price, Communications Coordinator for VIP Industries.

VIP Industries celebrates its recognition of March as DD Awareness Month with the delivery of candy bouquets to area schools and businesses. The candy bouquets were assembled and delivered by employees from VIP Industries. In addition to candy, each basket contains information about the variety of disabilities which exist, as well as some profiles of adults with developmental disabilities who live and work in the community.

During this month, we encourage you to get acquainted with someone who has a developmental disability. You'll learn that everyone has something to offer and that when we are all together, our communities are stronger, we accomplish more, and everyone wins!