Special to the Banner-News
Each year, GCDD celebrates March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month alongside its national association, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD). Last year's theme was "Beyond the Conversation" challenging people across the nation to think about more than just awareness, but how to create meaningful inclusivity within their communities. "A World of Opportunities" seeks to continue this conversation in Arkansas and beyond.
"Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month acknowledges the importance of establishing inclusion and appreciating the contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities," said Jonathan Taylor, executive director of GCDD. "It's something in which all employers can take part. By communicating the importance of inclusivity in the workplace, people can come together to create an integrative, supportive community for all Arkansans."
Throughout the month, the Council staff will hold weekly virtual office hours each Friday via Zoom to share resources, insights, training and more. The full schedule is below:
Friday, March 1, 12:30-2 p.m. – Attendees will learn how to join GCDD or another board or council, get tips on the Arkansas Boards & Commissions application process and participate in a discussion on what it takes to serve.
Friday, March 8, 1-2 p.m. – Staff will extend an invitation to attendees for the GCDD quarterly meeting on March 14 and share information on what to expect in a board or council meeting.
Friday, March 15, 1-2 p.m. – Attendees will be introduced to person-centered planning, including Charting the LifeCourse tools to increase self-determination through supported decision-making.
Friday, March 22, 1-2 p.m. – Staff will discuss situational awareness pertaining to the Great North American Eclipse on April 8.
To learn more about GCDD or National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, visit GCDD.Arkansas.gov.
About The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities
The Governor's Council on Developmental
Disabilities is a member of the National Association of Councils on
Developmental Disabilities (NACDD). The Council's purpose is to connect
people with developmental disabilities to the resources and programs
they need to be independent, be productive and be integrated and
included in all parts of community life. GCDD, along with network
partners, works to implement the Developmental Disabilities Assistance
and Bill of Rights Act in Arkansas to assure that individuals with
developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design
of community services that allow increased opportunities to live and
work locally. GCDD is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services Administration on Community Living (ACL)
through the Administration on Disability's Office of Intellectual and
Developmental Disabilities (OIDD). Learn more at GCDD.Arkansas.gov.
Full Article & Source:
Arkansas Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities Announces March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
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