Spurred by The Arc’s advocacy, President Ronald Reagan declared March to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in 1987, urging “all Americans to join me in according to our fellow citizens with such disabilities both encouragement and the opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.” Now 30 years later, The Arc continues to lead the way in promoting awareness of the strengths and achievements of Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), The power of The Arc movement is all around us as people with autism, cerebral palsy and other disabilities blaze new trails. Today, people with I/DD are living and working in the community; pursuing higher education; developing their faith; falling in love and getting married; and making their voices heard in all aspects of life.

As people with I/DD across the nation become increasingly visible in our daily lives, The Arc strives to build more welcoming communities through education and outreach. We hope you will join us this month as we celebrate the lives of people with I/DD.

Developmental disabilities awareness starts now.

What Can You do to Raise Awareness?

Raising awareness about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is easier than ever with this handy list of actions you can take to help spread the word. Click on the icon for details. What are you waiting for?