Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

WHEREAS, intellectual and developmental disabilities are conditions which affect more than 7 million Americans and more than 121,000 Alabamians and their families; and

WHEREAS, public awareness and education enhance a community’s understanding of the issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can be vital and vibrant members of our communities, improving the quality of life for all of us; and

WHEREAS, the month of March has been designated National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, with more than 100,000 members and 700 plus chapters of The Arc of the United States and more than 5,000 members and 29 local chapters of The Arc of Alabama undertaking public awareness, educational and fundraising initiatives; and

WHEREAS, The Arc of the United States is the largest national, volunteer-based, membership organization and The Arc of Alabama is the largest state, volunteer-based, membership organization, working to include all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in every community:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby do proclaim March, 2011, as

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

in the State of Alabama and urge that all citizens of Alabama support efforts enabling individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live full and productive lives of inclusion in our communities.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 14th day of March 2011.

      

Governor Robert Bentley