On March 6, the Board of Clallam County Commissioners proclaimed the month of March 2018 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Clallam County.

Since 1987, March has been National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, inaugurated by then president Ronald Reagan. During this month, local government and civic leaders highlight inclusion, contributions and togetherness. This year’s theme is “See Me For Me.”

County leaders ask community members to consider what they can do to recognize and assist those with developmental disabilities, including:

• Raise awareness by having people with and without disabilities sharing their stories about their lives, side by side

• Look beyond any disability and see everyone for who they are as a person, and not just as a person with a disability

• Share resources about living inclusive lives

• Invite an individual with developmental disabilities to participate in your faith community, your service club or to help on your community service project

• Encourage your schools to be inclusive of all students in every way possible

• Invite individuals with developmental disabilities to participate in your bowling, church athletic or community recreation league

• Hire an individual at your business or support them as a co-worker at your place of employment.

• Patronize businesses that recognize the contribution of individuals with developmental disabilities and that hire them for real jobs in the community.

For more information about the proclamation, call Timothy Bruce, Clallam County Health and Human Services Planner, at 360-417-2428.