Thanks to the advocacy efforts of The Arc in the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan officially declared March to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in 1987. For nearly a quarter of a century, The Arc and its network of 700+ chapters across the country, including AdvocacyDenver, have fostered respect and access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We have made tremendous progress in promoting and protecting the rights of people with I/DD and creating opportunities for them to live, learn and work as valued members of their communities. But there is much work left to do.

In 2012, a pivotal national election year, we are fighting to protect support systems in the face of tough economic times and drastic budget cuts. Since many people with disabilities rely on publicly funded services to fully participate in their communities, policymakers and candidates need to know you concerned about continuing these vital services. Take advantage of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to make your mark on this election by getting involved and getting active today.

What Can You Do?

• Jump in. Contact AdvocacyDenver to volunteer or donate.

• Speak out. Contact your legislator or candidate today and let them know you expect them to support public policy to assist people with I/DD.

• Spread the word. Educate yourself about issues important to the I/DD community then tell the world what you found out. Use March as a great excuse to post your positive thoughts about the I/DD movement on your Facebook page or Twitter account. Follow AdvocacyDenver on Facebook and Twitter and express yourself. Or go “old-school” with a good, old-fashioned letter to the editor of your local newspaper explaining to your community why they should care about I/DD.

Join us during March to help raise awareness. Find out more about I/DD and what you can do at www.advocacydenver.org today!