Envision a society where people with disabilities no longer have labels, where buildings are completely accessible to all who enter, and where communities not only embrace but celebrate each other’s uniqueness. This vision was a mere dream 50 years ago. Now, this vision is attainable and we work to achieve it every day. As we prepare for National Developmental Disability Awareness Month in March, I feel it is important to reflect on how far we have come.

Reflecting on History

In the late 1800’s we saw the first “advanced” form of services for people with developmental disabilities through the establishments of institutions. From there, grassroots movements began to pop up all over the nation where local councils and groups were formed by concerned parents. In 1960, the Horn Report began the early thoughts and conversations that later led to the forming of County Boards of Mental Retardation in 1967.

The rights of people with developmental disabilities evolved into a civil rights matter. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 allowed people with developmental disabilities to have equal access to education, employment, building accessibility, health, welfare, and social services. In hopes to continue these efforts, the Americans with Disabilities Act was formed in 1990 to “prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.” (adata.org)

Along the way, there were several presidents that took an interest in furthering the lives of and support for people with developmental disabilities. President Kennedy established the President’s Panel on Mental Retardation, President Johnson formed The President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities, President Reagan designated March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, and President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. All of these actions are critical pieces to solving the inequality people with developmental disabilities face on a daily basis.

Today, people with developmental disabilities are active contributing members in our community. They attend school, have jobs, pay taxes, drive, vote, volunteer, and so much more. Care for people with developmental disabilities continues but instead of deciding what is important for the person served, we now focus on what is important to the person served.

Looking back at these historic efforts reminds us why National Developmental Disability Awareness Month is so important. While we have made great progress over the last 50 years, there is always room for improvement. Awareness and education are essential as we work towards our goal of total inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.