March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Wanda Rogers, UCBLN Executive Director
Posted 3/6/18

A message from UCBLN executive director Wanda Rogers

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March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Posted

In 1987, Pres. Ronald Reagan proclaimed March “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month,” and called upon Americans to provide the “encouragement and opportunities” necessary for people with developmental disabilities to reach their potential. 

With more than 50 million Americans with developmental disabilities, National Disability Awareness Month is an opportunity to promote respect for people with disabilities and to increase awareness of their abilities.

“Together We Have No Limits” is the theme for Disabilities Awareness Month. The Uinta County Business Leadership Network (UCBLN) and other related organizations celebrate Disabilities Awareness Month in March and invite you to consider the true meaning of this year’s theme, “Together We have No Limits.”  

Throughout life we accomplish countless tasks: tying our shoes, riding a bike, earning decent grades, overcoming fears, and much more. We each have our own story and accomplishments to tell.

However, when we look back on those, we were not alone. There was someone to help, support, show, teach, and guide us to our future. Together with you, people with disabilities can reach their potential, contribute to our community, volunteer and work, be tax payers, and be our friends.  

“Together We Have No Limits” encourages communities to understand when people with disabilities are recognized for their abilities and part of their community, you soon come to see their strengths. People with disabilities have overcome many challenges and have unique skills in problem solving and moving forward despite obstacles. This is a time when our organization focuses on encouraging the public to better understand the individuals we serve. 

The greatest barrier for people with disabilities is neither physical nor intellectual. They are attitudinal, because sometimes our citizens may look or sound different than you and me. The reactions of others have a tremendous impact on the daily lives of those with a disability, and without disabilities. We all know words and looks can hurt people with disabilities, they are not victims, and they’re not heroes, so they should not be labeled as either. They are just people, like you and me, and that’s what they desire to be!

On Thursday, March 1, Evanston Mayor Kent Williams officially made March as “Disabilities Awareness Month” and challenged the citizens of our city to look beyond a person’s disability and focus instead upon each person’s diverse and varied contributions to the community.

During March, get acquainted with someone who has a disability. You’ll learn that everyone has something to offer and when we all work together our communities are stronger, we accomplish more, and everyone wins.

The Uinta County Business Leadership Network is an employer-led coalition of businesses, government and community organizations dedicated to improving employment opportunities that benefit businesses and people with disabilities.

To learn more about how your business can become involved, do not hesitate to contact Wanda Rogers at (307) 783-6302, director@blnworks.com or drop by 236 9th St. in Evanston.