Doing our part to recognize Developmental Disability Awareness Month
- Julia Galleguez, LMHC
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
Like many people in the community, my family constellation includes individuals with developmental disabilities. The barriers they have had to face have been unpredictable, frustrating and even daunting at times. I do what I can to listen, learn, and help however possible. I am grateful for the decades of work that disability advocates and allies have completed to push society as far as we have, but the work is not finished yet. Recent legislation and regressive policy changes have stalled progress and made living with a developmental disability even more challenging. The changes society needs cannot be accomplished by a small minority, we need the energy and focus of a dedicated populace to drive progress to its justified conclusion.
What are developmental disabilities and why do they matter?
The Center for Disease and Control defines developmental disabilities as “... a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas… [that] impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person's lifetime.” These conditions may arise due to a variety of reasons: genetics, preterm conditions, or birth
injury.
Developmental disabilities have been present for all of human history, and the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) acknowledges this fact through this year’s Developmental Disabilities Awareness month theme: “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always.” Developmental disabilities occur no matter the individual’s economic status, race, national origin, or ethnicity. They also include conditions that we may not initially consider as developmental disabilities due to their tendency to be less visible: speech delays, learning disabilities, processing disorders, neurodivergent status.
People with developmental disabilities face unique mental health and physical health challenges. A person with a developmental disability is not unhealthy or unable to be healthy, rather they often require care that falls outside the norm of current healthcare models. Medical providers need tailored approaches to assist the individual so that they can live well and enjoy life. Professional competency is crucial to providing appropriate evaluations and care for everyone. No matter the unique circumstances of a patient’s life, the end goal is the same: provide sound, reliable care.
The spectrum of human features is incredibly varied, and developmental disabilities are just one of the possible features that someone may have. Our functioning improves when we have others in our lives. Everyone deserves to be part of the human quilt that colors our community.
What can I do to destigmatize developmental disabilities in my community?
When taking on a helper stance, it is valuable to first have a period of introspection to catch any biases or assumptions about developmental disabilities and dismantle any faulty beliefs. This may generate some discomfort, but it’s a helpful ego check that allows you to reckon with the societal messages that have been embedded. Allyship also includes mindful updates to your vocabulary, like adding inclusive language and retiring outdated phrases. Be kind to yourself during this process. Nobody’s perfect, and evolution in any form is the way we can do our part to move society forward.
Being an ally for the developmental disability community is an ongoing process. Seeking education to further your understanding of the lived experience of individuals and the systemic challenges that interfere with wellness. There are countless ways to achieve this objective: books, magazines, blogs, podcasts, lectures, videos, and TV interviews. One great place to start is last year’s entries in the NACDD’s community members’ photo gallery: https://nacdd.org/2025-dd-awareness-month-we-are-here-all-year-photo-gallery/
Advocacy Work
Speaking up against injustices when you see them is just one way to take it one step further and engage in advocacy work for and with people with developmental disabilities. This can look like advocating for inclusive spaces, appropriate curriculum, expanding healthcare options, vocational supports, and public accommodations. There are many grass roots organizations, government, and legal agencies that have historically been vehicles for positive change: American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF): The Arc, and the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).
Advocacy can take many forms, and it’s important to choose the path that is the best fit for your unique life circumstances. Overextending yourself benefits no-one, doing what you can, no matter how small it may seem, can make a difference.
Vote for representatives that align with developmental disability advocacy efforts
Contact your congressional representatives and urge them to protect the programs that support individuals with disabilities, including Medicaid, SNAP, SSI. Request that they create or pass inclusion measures in educational, professional, and medical settings.
Volunteer for programs that support individuals with developmental disabilities in practical ways. The Arc is one such organization that provides the tools for self-education and meaningful advocacy https://act.thearc.org/home/
With consent, share the stories of those with developmental disabilities to increase understanding and compassion
Be mindful to model inclusive language with others and engage in thoughtful discussions on internalized biases with community members
Donate to organizations that promote inclusion and measurable action to transform the lives of people with developmental disabilities
Takeaway
Remember that at the heart of this movement is a universal message of common humanity and strength in diversity. Any grouping of people is diverse in some kind of way. The varied experiences within any group strengthens its ability to solve problems creatively and empathetically. The perspective that people with developmental disabilities widens our understanding of the human condition, including what needs are within the scope of the human population. When societal accommodations are implemented, it sends the message that you are seen. Whether the accommodations are systemic, physical, or social, the impact has wide-reaching effects. When folks feel seen, that empowers them to participate in community and live a fulfilled life. What a worthy investment.
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