A message from the NACDD:
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! Every year, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and its partners collaborate to lead Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM).
The NACDD’s 2025 theme is We’re Here All Year, emphasizing that community, accessibility, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities should be recognized and championed every day—not just in March.
This month reminds us that individuals with developmental disabilities are valuable members of our communities and deserve full participation in all aspects of life, including education, employment, recreation, and civic engagement.
Established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month highlights the importance of fostering a society where people with disabilities are empowered to contribute to their communities.
While March provides an opportunity for heightened awareness, true awareness happens when we commit to creating accessible environments and productive opportunities year-round.
Throughout March, we will be sharing resources, events, and information from our community partners on this webpage.
More Resources:
- Get involved with the DD advocacy community! The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, which is committed to advocating, promoting, and implementing pathways that help people with IDD to live meaningful, integrated, and productive lives, is looking for council members. Learn more about the opportunity here.
- Share stories, photos and videos that expand the conversation of inclusion and disabilities on your social media channels using #WeReHereAllYear #DDAwareness #InvolveUs #NACDDGallery or the NACDD DD Community Photo Gallery Submissions Form.
- Check out the NACDD website throughout the month.
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Learn more about resources available through the DSHS’ DDA: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda
Watch and share the Informing Families video, a 60 second PSA featuring dozens of Washington State residents who remind us all that people with developmental disabilities enrich our communities in countless ways.
