DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES MONTH (1987)
About Development Disabilities Month
In 1987 President Ronald Reagan proclaimed March “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.” The deinstitutionalization movement of the seventies and early eighties had laid the foundation for significant social change, and the presidential proclamation called upon Americans to provide the “encouragement and opportunities” necessary for people with developmental disabilities to reach their potential.
As those citizens began living within the general community in larger numbers, programs to provide career planning, job coaching and supported employment began to emerge. The idea that individuals with developmental disabilities could become productive members of the workforce was new to many people, and entrenched preconceptions had to be overcome. Advocates recognized a moral imperative to engage individuals with developmental – and other – disabilities. With passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, workplace discrimination against people with disabilities became sanctionable.
The Special Needs Alliance was formed in 2002 by a core group of prominent disability and elder law attorneys who recognized the unique planning needs of younger individuals with disabilities and their families. While the SNA now has members in 47 states, the organization continues to limit membership to those who have proven credentials in the area of disability law and advocacy.
As those citizens began living within the general community in larger numbers, programs to provide career planning, job coaching and supported employment began to emerge. The idea that individuals with developmental disabilities could become productive members of the workforce was new to many people, and entrenched preconceptions had to be overcome. Advocates recognized a moral imperative to engage individuals with developmental – and other – disabilities. With passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, workplace discrimination against people with disabilities became sanctionable.
The Special Needs Alliance was formed in 2002 by a core group of prominent disability and elder law attorneys who recognized the unique planning needs of younger individuals with disabilities and their families. While the SNA now has members in 47 states, the organization continues to limit membership to those who have proven credentials in the area of disability law and advocacy.
PROMOTIONAL DETAILS
Event Sponsor:
Presidential Decree, Historic Anniversary. See Special Needs Alliance for info
Videos
