March 5, 2025 — Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a month-long observance that brings attention to the unique experiences of individuals with developmental disabilities. It’s a time to celebrate their achievements, advocate for their rights, and promote understanding and inclusivity within society.
Thousands of PEF members work around New York State at the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), delivering critical care and services to people with developmental disabilities.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month was established by U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1987.
“Americans are becoming increasingly aware that such disabilities need not keep individuals from realizing their full potential in school, at work or at home, as members of their families and of their communities,” he stated in his proclamation on Feb. 26, 1987. “I urge all Americans to join me in according to our fellow citizens with such disabilities both encouragement and the opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”
Reducing stigma
In 2023, New York’s OPWDD launched its “Look Beyond My Developmental Disability” campaign to combat the stigma that people with developmental disabilities face in their daily lives.
“The “Look Beyond” anti-stigma public awareness campaign uses public and online forums, social and mass media, and radio and print advertising to educate the public about developmental disabilities and highlight the positive contributions of people with developmental disabilities to their state and their communities,” according to a press release announcing the launch.
“Many people with developmental disabilities still experience pre-conceived stereotyping and discrimination in various aspects of life, including access to housing, employment, and medical care, which can lead to poor physical and mental health outcomes as well as social exclusion and isolation,” it said.
Learn more about OPWDD’s Look Beyond campaign here.
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If you are a PEF member working at OPWDD, and you want to share a story about the work you do with the developmentally disabled population, please reach out to Editor Kate Stickles at Communicator@pef.org.