AID Raises Developmental Disability Awareness

In honor of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, area businesses received candy bouquets last week compliments of the Association for persons with Intellectual Disabilities (AID). It is the hope of AID 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.

Employees of VIP Industries were chosen to assemble the bouquets and deliver them to the area businesses.

AID is asking community members to welcome people with disabilities into their neighborhoods, businesses, houses of worship, and community events not only during the month of March but throughout the year.

This year's theme is "Our Community is Better Together." In addition to family members and friends, the community at large plays a part in supporting people with disabilities. We encourage you to learn more about the people in your community who have developmental disabilities and recognize they can offer special talents and abilities which can make this a better place to live, work, learn, and socialize.

We've made a lot of progress in the past 40 years, but there is much more we can do. It is often a lack of knowledge that creates a barrier. Replace fears with awareness and get involved today!

Forbes magazine reports that there are 4.6 million Americans who live with developmental disabilities. According to the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities, there are nearly 614,000 children ages 3 to 21, who have some level of intellectual disability and need special education in school.

There are several ways you can help raise awareness throughout your community. The following is a list of suggestions of how you can get involved:

* Use Facebook or Twitter to let your friends know that March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

* Visit your local sheltered workshop. Ask for a tour or volunteer to help.

* Write a letter to the editor in your local newspaper regarding awareness in your community.

* Contact your legislator and let them know you would appreciate them enacting public policy to assist people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

* Get to know someone with a disability. Everyone has something to offer. Together we accomplish more.

To learn more about developmental disabilities visit http://www.missouriaid.org or to schedule a tour of VIP call 334-1166.