What Is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month?

This March, you can honor Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month by taking active steps to understand, raise awareness, and support those affected by disabilities. Here, you’ll learn about the difficulties faced by this often-underrepresented population and discover ways to make a positive impact. Those living with disabilities and their caretakers may benefit from mental health support provided by in-person or online therapy sessions.

Legislation and impact

In 1987, President Reagan officially proclaimed March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, establishing it as a period dedicated to promoting understanding of developmental disabilities. 

The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 is often considered a significant complement to the establishment of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This landmark piece of legislation codified the rights of people with disabilities into law, helping to ensure they received the accommodations and support needed to participate fully in society.

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) can be seen as another significant piece of legislation intended to support the unique needs of people with developmental disabilities. The DD Act outlined a framework of state and federal support for ensuring those with cognitive impairments receive adequate accommodations for the services they need. Through the establishment of councils on developmental disabilities, such as the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, the Act encourages promising practices and provides a blueprint for states to help individuals participate fully in their communities.

Understanding developmental disabilities

Developmental disabilities can encompass a wide range of conditions that usually result in delays or impairments in key areas, such as learning, language development, and motor skills. Behavior areas can also be affected, leading to challenges in self-control and interaction with others. 

Developmental conditions typically arise before birth and are often caused by genetic abnormalities, prenatal exposure to certain substances, or complications during birth or early childhood. However, they can also be the result of injury or infection. 

Common cognitive impairments include intellectual disabilities, referring broadly to certain limitations in cognitive functioning, including communication, social, and life skills. Intellectual disabilities can be a common characteristic of developmental conditions.

Fragile X syndrome

This genetic condition can cause intellectual disability, behavioral and learning challenges, and certain physical characteristics. FXS is estimated to occur in 1 in 7,000 males and 1 in 11,000 females.

Fetal alcohol syndrome

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) can result from alcohol exposure during the mother's pregnancy, causing a range of effects, including intellectual disabilities.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

ASD can be defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder usually characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. The severity and symptoms can vary widely among individuals.

Down syndrome

Down syndrome is usually defined as a genetic disorder caused by the presence of part or all of a third copy of chromosome 21. It is often associated with physical growth delays, mild to moderate intellectual disability, and characteristic facial features.

Epilepsy

This neurological condition can be characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Epilepsy frequently co-occurs with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Cerebral palsy

This group of disorders can affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP tends to be the most common motor disability in childhood.

Tourette syndrome

This neurological disorder is frequently characterized by repetitive, involuntary vocalizations or movements (tics). 

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

ADHD can be defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. ADHD can interfere with learning, social skills, and executive functioning.

Challenges affecting those with developmental disabilities

Individuals living with cognitive impairments can face a host of challenges that are often overlooked by those without firsthand experience or awareness of their needs and circumstances. Among the numerous obstacles faced, past discussions have highlighted the need for improved admittance to community life resources involving education, healthcare, and employment.

Caregivers, educators, employers, and healthcare professionals can all play a role in ensuring that people with disabilities receive the support they deserve to thrive. Without a sufficient path to services and accommodations, however, those with developmental disabilities may encounter additional difficulties in various areas of their lives.

How to lend your support

This DD Awareness Month, consider exploring ways to support individuals with cognitive impairments and advocate for the services on which they rely. 

1. Educate and advocate

You could start by educating yourself about the issues faced by affected populations and the systems that support them. Research the issues faced by the disabled community and look for areas where your support and advocacy may be helpful. Once you have identified areas for improvement, you might consider getting involved with your local school board, city council, or other community organizations that have the power to make changes.

2. Volunteer within your community

For those who rely on special services, volunteers can be a vital source of support. Consider lending your time and skills to local organizations, schools, or community centers that cater to individuals with developmental disabilities. For example, you can volunteer at a Center for Independent Living to provide additional support and assistance to those with developmental disabilities in your area. The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) also supports programs that promote self-determination, integration, and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

3. Support businesses that employ individuals with disabilities

Patronizing businesses that employ individuals with cognitive impairments can offer a practical way to promote inclusivity and economic independence. You might also consider recommending such businesses to your network, providing positive reviews online, and highlighting their inclusive practices on social media.

Mental health support for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers

For individuals and families managing the everyday challenges that accompany a developmental disability, mental health care can be a vital aspect of well-being and quality of life. 

If you have a developmental disability or are caring for someone who does, it may be worth exploring the possibility of online therapy. 

Benefits of online therapy

Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can offer flexible and convenient therapy via video chat, phone call, or in-app messaging, eliminating the need to travel to and from appointments. The ability to attend therapy sessions with a licensed professional from the comfort of one’s home can empower individuals to take control of their mental health.

Effectiveness of online therapy

Online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy and may be preferable for families already overburdened with appointments. Research suggests that the same client outcomes tend to result from both in-person and online therapy interventions.