03/01/2023
MARCH IS NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH
On February 26, 1987 President Ronald Reagan officially declared Proclamation 5613, making March National Disability Awareness Month. The proclamation called for people to provide understanding, encouragement and opportunities to help persons with disabilities lead productive and fulfilling lives.
Everyone wants—and deserves—to enjoy life, and to feel productive and secure. Throughout the year, but especially in March, all individuals, agencies and organizations supportive of people with disabilities are encouraged to take appropriate steps to raise awareness about the supports and rights of people with disabilities, and celebrate their contributions to our communities and society as a whole.
People with disabilities have the same needs we all do. First and foremost is to be treated with dignity and respect. When you interact with them, focus on their abilities, not their disabilities. They are unique individuals who have knowledge, skills, interests and experiences that can add diversity, resourcefulness and creative energy to their communities and society as a whole.
Remember: People with disabilities are people first.
