REM Ohio Seeks Public Support for those with Developmental Disabilities

March 1, 2012

AKRON, OH – “Our Community is Better Together” is the theme for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2012. REM Ohio and other related organizations celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, and invite you to embrace the important message of this year’s theme, “Our Community is Better Together.”

Statewide, and across the nation, organizations devoted to serving individuals with developmental disabilities are planning special events in March to raise public awareness of the many abilities people have, regardless of disability. “Our Community is Better Together” encourages people to understand that when people with disabilities are welcomed into local neighborhoods, workplaces, houses of worship, and schools strong and engaged communities emerge.

“This is a time when our organization focuses on encouraging the public to better understand the individuals we serve,” said Carla Parker, REM Ohio Executive Director. “During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we encourage all communities to join together and learn more about those who have developmental disabilities. We all need to recognize that everyone has talents and abilities and this blend of diversity make our community and State a place to live. Together we can accomplish even more.”

REM Ohio plans to participate in the statewide Developmental Disability Awareness Month Kickoff Event in Columbus, Ohio on March 1, 2012. The event is open to the public and will focus on peoples’ similarities rather than differences. Ohio Public Images will employ various media to depict the many ways in which people with developmental disabilities are participating, together with all citizens, in their communities. The awareness event will spotlight many opportunities that are emerging in this spirit around the state.

During March, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, you are encouraged to get acquainted with someone who has a developmental disability. You’ll learn that everyone has something to offer and that and when we join together as a unified community we are stronger, we accomplish more, and great successes are achieved!