Established in 1987 by Presidential Proclamation, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month raises awareness and fosters inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all areas of community life. More than 6 million Americans and nearly 10,000 residents of the District of Columbia with developmental disabilities live, work, play, and contribute to our cities and nation alongside neighbors with and without disabilities. The DC Department on Disability Services (DDS) is partnering with disability service and advocacy groups across the across the city to host an array of events to celebrate the abilities, interests, and talents of people with disabilities. Mark your calendars today to attend one or all of the following events.
RSVP: http://tinyurl.com/19Aware30
DC Supporting Families Community of Practice
When: March 8 from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Location: The Department on Disability Services, 250 E St., SW
This group of diverse stakeholders is working together to create policies, practices, and systems that support families that include a member with an intellectual or developmental disability across the life span. This month’s topic is providing decision-making support to family and community members with an intellectual or developmental disability. RSVP to [email protected].
Next Chapter Book Club
When: March 13 from 5 to 6 PM
Location: Peet’s Coffee, 1275 First St., NE
The Next Chapter Book Club is designed to be inclusive of people with and without disabilities, reading together, making friends, and being a part of their community. This club is currently reading, Lucky Dogs, Lost Hats, and Dating Don’ts, a collection of short stories about real life. Seating can sometimes be limited, so arrive early! No purchase is necessary to participate. For details, contact [email protected].
Loving - Heartbreak, Happily Ever-Afters, and Everything In-between
When: March 20 from 6 to 8 PM
Location: True Reformer Bldg/Lankford Aud., 1200 U St., NW
A lively discussion is sure to happen as panelists with disabilities share their experiences about building and maintaining healthy, intimate relationships. Clips of Profoundly Normal will be shown to spark conversation. Based on the life of Ricardo and Donna Thornton, this made-for-television movie tells the story of their journey from Forest Haven, the District's former institution for people with developmental disabilities, to husband and wife, to parenthood. Hosted by DDS and the Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) this event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact [email protected].
Celebrating 30 Years of Self-Advocacy
When: March 27 from 4 to 7 PM
Location: The Department on Disability Services, 250 E St., SW
This event highlights the work and honors the members of Project ACTION! for their commitment and dedication to disability rights. Project ACTION! is a coalition of self-advocates and advocacy organizations throughout the DC metropolitan region. It started in 1989 when a small group of people with developmental disabilities began meeting monthly at the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Institute to discuss issues impacting their lives and goals they wished to achieve. It is now an independent 501 (c) 3, supporting people with disabilities to become national self-advocates with members serving on various disability organization boards and committees.
Sponsored by DDS, DDC, Office of Disability Rights, Quality Trust, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at Georgetown, and Disability Rights DC at University Legal Services, there will be an awards ceremony, presentations from the Mayor and the Council of the District of Columbia, and dancing. For more information, contact [email protected].
