Be on the lookout for Perry County’s newest billboard pictured above!

‘JUST LIKE YOU’ is the theme for Perry County Board of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

The Perry County Board of Developmental Disabilities (PCBDD) and other related organizations celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, and invite you to consider the true meaning of this year’s theme, “Just like You.”

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. “Just like You” encourages people to bring diversity to their communities by welcoming people with disabilities into local neighborhoods, workplaces, houses of worship and schools.

"This is a time when our organization focuses on encouraging the public to better understand the individuals we serve, and promoting a community focused on possibilities," said Lindsey Jago, Community Awareness Coordinator.

“During ‘Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month,’ we encourage people to learn more about the people in this community who have disabilities. For example, when you see a child who uses a wheelchair – see the child, not the disability. And when you see a man with mental retardation working at your local supermarket, see the man, not his disability.”

During a recent visit to Perry County, Ohio State Senator Tim Schaffer visited and toured PerCo, Inc. and presented a Proclamation declaring March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.   Superintendent David Couch accepted the award on behalf of the PCBDD. PerCo Production Manager, Jay Barnhart, and Ray Wilson, Tammy Alvoid, and Krista Barnhart of the Employment Connection were also present. Senator Schaffer expressed his interest in the Program and “recognized PCBDD for a remarkable record of service by encouraging everyone to recognize the abilities of all people, including individuals with developmental disabilities.”

March Awareness Month Activities

February 12, 2010- The signing of the DD Proclamation by the commissioners

March 1, 2010- The Advocates of Southeast Ohio Speak Out meeting @ Perry Library 5-6pm- Decorating the library display case

March 4, 2010- The Advocates of Southeast Ohio Speak Out are attending The Ohio Statehouse DD Kickoff 10am-12pm

March 5, 2010- PCBDD Blood Drive @ Mt. Aloysius 10am-4pm  Walk-ins welcome or to make an apt Call 740-342-3542

March 11, 2010- The PerCo. Cougars Basketball Team vs. Staff game @ Activities Center 6pm – Admission free

March 18, 2010- The PerCo. Cougars Basketball Team vs. Parents game @ Activities Center 6pm- Admission free

March 25, 2010- The Main Event Basketball Game The PerCo. Cougars vs. The Bata Bombers @ The New Lex Middle School 6pm—

DD AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION

Whereas: Individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, friends, neighbors and co-workers encourage everyone to focus on the abilities of all people.

And

Whereas: the most effective way to increase this awareness is through everyone’s active participation in community activities and the openness to learn and acknowledge each individual’s contribution;

And,

Whereas: opportunities for citizens with developmental disabilities to function as independently and productively as possible must be fostered in our community;

And,

Whereas: we encourage all citizens to support opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in our community that include full access to education, housing, employment, and recreational activities;

And,

Now, therefore, we, The Perry County Board of Developmental Disabilities do hereby proclaim March , 2010 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and recognize that people with developmental disabilities are “just like you.”  Take the time to get to know someone with a disability and what he or she has to offer.