March marks a time for reflection, awareness, and action as we come together to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. For those of us working within the nonprofit sector, particularly in organizations that provide services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), this month holds special meaning. It’s a reminder of the importance of inclusion, advocacy, and the continued work we must do to ensure that every person, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive.
At People’s Arc of Suffolk, our mission is to create communities where people of all ages and abilities enjoy life to its fullest. We know that behind every diagnosis is a person with unique strengths, dreams, and challenges. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is not just about raising awareness for us—it’s about fostering understanding, sparking conversations, and inspiring actions that build a more inclusive society.
The Magnificent Voices group at People’s Arc took raising awareness into their own hands when they decided to create a flyer to be sent to all staff. They created a flyer that included their own messages and focused on this years theme, which is “WE ARE HERE ALL YEAR.” The group met with our Human Resources team to collaborate and create this flyer using Canva and had an awesome time using the online platform to do so. The messages they chose to include on the design are personal and bold. The people we support want to be included in the conversation and want to be acknowledged in all situations and decisions.
“Nothing ABOUT ME, WITHOUT ME.”
*Flyer Created by Magnificent Voices Self Advocacy Group at People’s Arc- March 2025
Over the years, we’ve seen tremendous progress in how communities and organizations approach developmental disabilities. The stigma that once clouded conversations around these conditions is being replaced with understanding and empathy. But despite the progress, there is still much work to be done. We continue to face challenges related to access to quality care, equitable education, and employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to break down barriers and create opportunities for all.
A big part of our work is about building a sense of community. When we say that we believe in inclusion, we mean it in every sense of the word. Inclusion goes beyond just physical presence; it’s about fostering an environment where people with developmental disabilities are welcomed, supported, and valued. It’s about advocating for them, not just during this month, but every single day of the year. It’s important to remember that inclusion benefits us all. Whether it’s in a classroom, workplace, or community space, when people with diverse abilities are given the chance to participate, we all learn to appreciate different perspectives and unique contributions.
We challenge you to live by this years DDAM theme, “WE ARE HERE ALL YEAR” by becoming a 2025 People’s Arc Member!
Membership means People’s Arc of Suffolk has a support that can be represented in numbers when it needs to be for advocacy efforts. Membership contribution supports People’s Suffolk’s Annual meeting, Fashion Show Event, and membership fees to the Arc NY.
