Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2026: Moving Beyond Awareness to Inclusion
Every March, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) highlights the importance of inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.
At Northwest Center, this month is not just about awareness. It is about action, opportunity, and building a more inclusive community where people of all abilities can thrive.
What Is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month?
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a nationwide effort to promote understanding, inclusion, and equal opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
The observance began in 1987 when President Ronald Reagan officially recognized March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Since then, it has grown into a national movement focused on inclusion, accessibility, and community participation.
But awareness alone is not enough.
Real progress happens when individuals, employers, and communities take steps to remove barriers and create access to education, employment, and meaningful participation.
Why Inclusion Matters
Inclusion creates stronger communities and better outcomes for everyone.
When people with developmental disabilities have access to opportunity, they gain:
- Greater independence
- Meaningful employment
- Confidence and self-determination
And when workplaces embrace inclusion, they become:
- More innovative
- More resilient
- More representative of the communities they serve
Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities
Access to employment is one of the most powerful drivers of independence.
Through Northwest Center’s Employment Services, individuals receive personalized support to:
- Build job skills
- Prepare for the workplace
- Find meaningful employment
- Grow long-term careers
These services help remove barriers and create pathways to success for people with disabilities.
When individuals are empowered to work and contribute, the impact extends beyond the workplace to families, businesses, and the broader community.
Real Stories of Inclusion: Eugene Berry and Abel Kellam
Behind every program are real people with powerful stories.
At Northwest Center’s annual Breakfast of Hope fundraising event, Eugene Berry and Abel Kellam will share their experiences as both client and employee. Their stories highlight the impact of inclusive employment and the importance of opportunity.
Their voices remind us that inclusion is not just an idea. It is something we can build together.
How to Support Disability Inclusion
You can help create a more inclusive community during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and beyond:
- Hire people with disabilities and build inclusive workplaces
- Support programs like Northwest Center’s Employment Services
- Advocate for accessibility in your community
- Share stories that highlight ability and achievement
Building an Inclusive Future
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a starting point, not an endpoint.
Northwest Center is committed year-round to ensuring people of all abilities have access to education, employment, and community.
Inclusion is not a campaign. It is a commitment.
Together, we can create a future where everyone belongs.