NYSARC, Inc. Celebrates National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Recognizing the Contributions Individuals with Disabilities Make Every Day Throughout March

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DELMAR, NY (03/01/2011)(readMedia)-- March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and NYSARC, Inc. is proud to celebrate the valuable contributions people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities are making every day as neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members.

Much progress has been made in our society's treatment of people with developmental disabilities. Parents are no longer pressured to send their children away to institutions; more doors than ever before are open to individuals with disabilities; and the "r" word has been removed from State organizations and legislation. In fact, it was NYSARC in 2004 that pushed to remove the "r" word from this very celebration, renaming it National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

People with developmental disabilities are reliable workers and excellent volunteers, capable of meeting or exceeding expectations and standards. Thanks to organizations like NYSARC, individuals are leading richer, more fulfilling lives. But there are still challenges: as many as 60% of individuals with disabilities--7 million nationwide--remain unemployed.

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a perfect time to step up and make a difference.

You can help by hiring a person with a disability; inviting someone to participate in your civic organization or community activity; contacting your legislator and asking him or her to support citizens with disabilities in your community; or giving time or money to an organization supporting people with disabilities.

Let us celebrate the contributions that individuals with developmental disabilities are making throughout the month of March and make an effort to create more inclusive communities!

About NYSARC, Inc.

NYSARC, Inc. is the largest not-for-profit in New York State and the United States serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The 55 Chapters comprising the family-led Organization provide services in every County in New York State. NYSARC, Inc. supports over 60,000 individuals, employs 30,000, and has a membership of nearly 82,000.