(Submitted by Not In Our Town Bowling Green)
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, an opportunity to promote respect for people with developmental disabilities, build inclusion within the community, and educate others on the many contributions of people with disabilities.
To achieve inclusion – having people truly interconnected and sharing a sense of belonging – requires intentional, committed awareness and effort from each of us, in both our actions and in our words.
“In general, inclusion is better for everyone,” says Mark Foster, president of People First. “I know inclusion helps me feel valued and accepted. Anything less feels like a broken community,” he added.
Here are some ways you can contribute to creating a more inclusive community:
- Person-First Language – See each person for who they are. Refer to the person first and the disability second. Who they are as a person is so much more important than a diagnosis.
- Adjust Attitudes – Understand people with disabilities have interests, skills, goals, talents, sadness, and loss, just like everyone. Honestly examine whether bias or stereotypes about people with disabilities exist in your thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Work to create positive cultural awareness when interacting with disability. Promote inclusion in school settings and teach children at an early age to value differences and the gifts all children bring with them.
- Employment – Consider employing people with disabilities. Recognize that they are ambitious and want to work and make loyal, dedicated employees. Accommodations may be necessary but just give them a chance. Know that people with disabilities are capable and hiring them is an asset.
- Policies and Programs – Make sure that people with disabilities are part of the planning, problem solving and agreed upon solution whenever decisions are made that directly affect them. “No decision about me, without me.”
- Accessibility – Be aware of physical obstacles in the stores, restaurants, and communities where you live and work. Provide support for people with visual or hearing impairment. Your awareness helps to ensure that all facilities are accessible for everyone.
- Social – Include people with disabilities in your social interactions. This can be a friendly greeting when you meet in a store, restaurant or walking down the street. Help build community and you may just make a new friend too!
People with disabilities have value and wisdom and contribute to the quality of our community. We all have the power and responsibility to make our community more inclusive for everyone — in March, and every day of the year!
