3 Ways to Boost Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Direct Care Innovations supports advocacy and awareness whenever possible, but we especially stress it during this month. Direct Care Professionals, people who have loved ones with developmental disabilities, and those who simply have a heart for this population can take advantage of the opportunity to spread the word. When we all work together, we make a bigger impact. Here are three things you can do during the month of March to create awareness, collaborate nationally, and make an impact.

1. Leverage Your Sphere of Influence

No matter whether you run an organization, work for one, or support the cause of those living with developmental disabilities, you have a sphere of influence. That sphere of influence includes people at your work, school, church, social club, friend group, and community. The great thing about the month of March is that it helps you focus on a cause you already care about, and that focus allows you to be intentional about your awareness efforts.

If you're a planner, write down goals and add the effort to your planner. For instance, you might set a goal to discuss developmental disability awareness with three to five people during the month. Another goal might be to participate in fundraising efforts or volunteer for a half day. If you're not a planner, simply use organic opportunities to start conversations with people. Either way, you have the opportunity to influence, educate, and engage those in your sphere of influence.

2. Join the National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Campaign

Aside from speaking directly with people in your personal sphere of influence, you can also utilize social media to create developmental disability awareness. The amazing thing about social media is that it has the potential to reach complete strangers, including those living on the other side of the world.

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities partners with other organizations to develop a social media campaign every year. Their efforts correspond with ours at DCI, as wells as yours, to promote inclusion and to lessen the challenges those with developmental disabilities face.

3. Get to Posting

The artwork featured here was created to be used for the 2021 campaign, by an art studio called Art Enables. The artist is Eileen Schofield. You can get the logo here to use in your social media postings, but don't forget to give credit! If lots of people post the same image, it will help to gain attention and traction.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, like and share our posts, or post your own. Of course, we encourage you to also post original content, photos, stories, and anything else you can think of to make the effort your own. The most important thing is that we work together to create awareness. Use the hashtag DDAwareness2021, and let's try to get this thing trending!

Need Our Help?

At DCI, we support organizations in all 50 states that work with those with developmental disabilities and others requiring long-term care and services. Call us today at (480) 605-4856 if you need business automation, EVV software, and integrated software solutions to make your life easier. You can also request a free demo.