GREENVILLE – Darke County Commissioners Matt Aultman, Marshall Combs, Aaron Flatter, and many others celebrated Thursday afternoon for the Declaration of March 2025 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
The Proclamation was read by Commissioner Combs and explained by several of Darke DD Advocates:
‘WHEREAS, March is recognized nationwide as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the Darke County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Darke County community seek to commemorate progress toward improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities, while also highlighting the challenges that remain in achieving a community that fully includes people with developmental disabilities; and’
Katie Gilpin read:
- Darke DD serves nearly 550 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- We need the right services and support to live and work and play as independently as we can.
- We want to be allowed to choose what is important for our lives, this is called self-determination.
- With your help, we can all create an accessible and inclusive community for all.
‘WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of each Darke County citizen to recognize and acknowledge the barriers and challenges that can keep people with developmental disabilities from realizing their full potential at school, work, home, and in their communities; and’
Sam read:
- that we have barriers that you might not recognize as your own
- We must have a community that is fully accessible for everyone or else it isn’t truly inclusive.
- Difficulties in getting to or into a place can limit us from participating in everyday life and common daily activities.
- Not having accessible restrooms can also limit our ability to attend events and enjoy activities
- We also need accessible and affordable transportation options for those of us who do not drive,
- While there is still much work to be done, we are pleased that Darke DD utilized $550,000 in grant money to improve accessibility in Darke County
‘WHEREAS, each of us as members of the Darke County community, can contribute to improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities by being strong advocates and supporters of increased independence and community leadership; and’
Kyle Cox said:
You can support us by breaking down another barrier called ‘Attitudinal’
This means…..
- Please don’t stereotype us,
- We don’t want to be pitied, feared or ignored,
- Don’t assume our quality of life is poor or that we are unhealthy because of our disability.
- When you support us, believe in us, and include us, we can live more meaningful, productive and happy lives.
‘WHEREAS, it is important that we expand opportunities for people with developmental disabilities including access to integrated employment, education, housing, health care, and civic engagement in the context of community participation; and’
Britney B read:
This means …..
- We want real jobs with real pay so that we can be contributing members of our society.
- We want to live in our own homes.
- We want to be seen for our gifts and talents and be active in our communities.
- We want to be social and have friends.
- We want to add value to our neighborhoods and communities.
‘WHEREAS, we can help people live their best lives in our community by empowering people with developmental disabilities to explore possibilities for their lives by maximizing independence, community participation, employment, and economic self-sufficiency in their daily life experiences, and’
Chas read:
This means….
- that you can help us by giving us opportunities
- People with disabilities are far less likely to be employed than people without disabilities, and yet we make outstanding employees!
- Children with disabilities are almost four times more likely to experience violence than children without disabilities.
- You can…..Be a teammate. Be a friend.
- Welcome someone who has been left out. include someone in your activity or club. Say hello to someone. There are so many ways to spread inclusion. Choose yours.
‘WHEREAS, offer daily family members, caregivers, and service providers selflessly
support to care, assistance, supervision, and physical and emotional people with developmental disabilities to help ensure their full participation in community life.’
Katie (Cali) read:
- We may not have as big of a support system or group of friends as most people,
- Many times, our social life revolves around doing things with our paid providers.
- You can include us – you can reach out to support us so that we can be fully included in our community and local events.
- Help us break down barriers… lt’s as easy as just saying “hi”
- Together, we can create a better, more diverse and more inclusive place to live, work and play.
‘NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the Darke County Commissioners, do hereby proclaim March 2025 as DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH. Offer full support to efforts that assist people with disabilities to make choices that empower them to live successful lives and realize their potential; and
FURTHERMORE, we urge all citizens to join in this celebration by spreading awareness of the many contributions offered by people with developmental disabilities in our community.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hand this twenty-seventh day of February, two thousand twenty-five.’
“I heard one time that inclusivity doesn’t just mean that you invite us to your table. It means that you really believe that we belong there,” said Sue Hustand. “That’s a really great explanation. We’re very active in our community.”
