As those citizens began living within the general community
in larger numbers, programs to provide career planning, job coaching and
supported employment began to emerge. The idea that individuals with
developmental disabilities could become productive members of the workforce was
new to many people, and entrenched preconceptions had to be overcome.
With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in
1990, workplace discrimination against people with disabilities became
sanctionable. The expectations of young people with developmental disabilities
and their parents began to shift. Productive, self-directed lives within the
community increasingly became the goal, and (increasingly) an obtainable goal.
Now 33 years later, the month of March highlights the
contributions and needs of the estimated four million Americans living with a
developmental disability. The power of ability over disability is all around us
as people with autism, cerebral palsy and other disabilities blaze new trails.
Today, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are living and working
in the community; pursuing higher education; developing their faith; falling in
love and getting married; and making their voices heard in all aspects of life.
As people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
across the nation become increasingly visible in our daily lives, Allegany Arc
strives to build more welcoming communities through education and outreach. We
hope you will join us this month as we celebrate the lives of people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities. Developmental disabilities
awareness starts now.
Learn how Allegany Arc’s supports and services are advancing
the concerns and interests of individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities throughout Allegany County by visiting www.AlleganyArc.org.
