Dear Friends and Colleagues:
The month of March is significant for us at OPWDD because it marks Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month; a time for us to recognize and celebrate the individuals that we provide services and supports to in communities across the state.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of both the needs and extraordinary potential of individuals with developmental disabilities; yet this awareness should not be limited to just one month, it should be spread throughout the year. Awareness was apparent at this year’s New York Fashion Week as models with disabilities took to the catwalk for the first time to show that beauty comes in all forms.
At OPWDD, we see that awareness every time a person with a developmental disability is hired for a competitive employment position in their community, every time we see an individual take on the challenge of self-directing their services and as we support individuals to be accepted into their community with an enthusiastic embrace.
This month we recognize the contributions of the individuals with developmental disabilities in New York for their own personal talents and abilities. We also recognize and celebrate the parents, family members, self-advocates, providers, staff members, direct support professionals and volunteers whose commitment and compassion help move the system forward and help to positively change community perceptions of individuals with developmental disabilities. It is awareness, acceptance and understanding that provide individuals with the opportunity to make their own unique contributions to the community at large.
In the spirit of awareness, we encourage you to participate in the campaign launched by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities #SidebySide: Celebrating Togetherness. Don’t forget to add #OPWDD to any of your social media messages! Together we can raise awareness, side-by-side.
Sincerely,
Kerry A. Delaney
Acting Commissioner