Governor Josh Shapiro has declared March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Read the proclamation text below or the Proclamation document here.
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PROCLAMATION
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH
March 2023
WHEREAS, people with developmental disabilities come from all racial, ethnic, educational, social, religious, and economic backgrounds, and all are valued members of society who find fulfillment living everyday lives; and
WHEREAS, people with developmental disabilities and their families are striving for inclusion, equality and recognition of their skills, views, and abilities like all other Commonwealth citizens; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania continues to promote person-centered approaches, community integration, personal choice, quality in service delivery, health and safety protections, competitive integrated employment, accountability in the utilization of resources, and innovation in services design; and
WHEREAS, the rate of individuals with developmental disabilities engaging in competitive integrated employed has reached 18% in the Commonwealth through continued optimization of opportunities across the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, educational opportunities for those with developmental disabilities continue to grow with the implementation of training programs and inclusive secondary education certificate programs at Pennsylvania institutions of higher learning; and
WHEREAS, the collaboration between the Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) and the Department of Human Services continues to develop, build, and strengthen recommendations for changes to services and supports; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Human Services’ focus on augmentative and alternative communication methods allow more stakeholder voices to contribute and build on the services and supports offered throughout the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Human Services continues to offer opportunities to individuals and family members through a growing complement of accessible training initiatives and services that allow them to increase their knowledge about advocacy, supports and disability services; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania continues to be at the forefront of change in building an inclusive Commonwealth where all citizens can live and work as part of an inclusive community and continue to enjoy their everyday lives.
THEREFORE, to recognize the many accomplishments and contributions of people with a developmental disability, I, Josh Shapiro, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim March 2023 as DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH. I encourage all citizens to support Pennsylvanians with a developmental disability and their families in all aspects of Pennsylvania community life.
GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, this twenty second day of February two thousand twenty three, the year of the Commonwealth the two hundred forty-seventh.
JOSH SHAPIRO
Governor