March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Texas
The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, TCDD, and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are encouraging Texans to work during March, designated as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and beyond to create more inclusive communities.
The March designation was made in an official proclamation from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. That proclamation states: “People with developmental disabilities who are involved in their community generally live longer, healthier lives and are more likely to give back to their communities. When inclusion becomes a way of life, Texas’ communities thrive.”
The TCDD/AgriLife Extension partnership
An estimated 480,000 children in Texas have developmental disabilities. Working in conjunction with a national awareness month campaign organized by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, TCDD leads the developmental disabilities awareness initiative for Texas. With funding from TCDD since 2019, AgriLife Extension leverages its statewide presence and network of educators to help further TCDD’s mission and strategic goals.
“AgriLife Extension has a strong partnership with TCDD year-round, but March provides a specific opportunity to raise awareness about innovations to strengthen community supports, provide a forum for discussion of disability-related topics and highlight advocacy training opportunities,” said Andy Crocker, AgriLife Extension statewide program specialist in gerontology and health, Amarillo.
He said TCDD and AgriLife Extension will also host an inclusive virtual workshop and collaborate on other efforts.
Crocker said AgriLife Extension will be prioritizing efforts this month to bring research-based, practical, applicable education to Texans with developmental disabilities and their families.
Getting involved
TCDD strives to create opportunities for all Texans with disabilities to be fully included in their communities and exercise control over their own lives. The council funds over 35 innovative projects across the state connecting to individuals with disabilities, caregivers, partners and providers in the communities where they live and work.
It serves as a resource to the state government to create responsive policies and systems and helps communities across Texas build capacity to support and include people with developmental disabilities.
Beth Stalvey, Ph.D., TCDD executive director, said this year’s Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month takes place at a particularly important, pivotal time as Texas navigates the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“We hope that everyone will make a point to recognize the vital contributions of the DD community and take action to shape a more equitable future for Texans with disabilities,” Stalvey said.
Morgan Bradley, AgriLife Extension community outreach program manager and regional coordinator, said community members and AgriLife Extension agents can get involved throughout the month by accessing resources on TCDD’s website and social media channels.
They can also connect with policymakers and media professionals to advocate for change and attend TCDD regional coordinators’ free virtual workshop, “Reaching ALL Texans Through Inclusive Extension Programming.”
“In addition to activities at the state level, AgriLife Extension county agents have the opportunity to engage in capacity-building and asset-mapping activities in their local communities,” Bradley said. “This includes identifying local resources and supports for persons with disabilities as well as engaging in community efforts to build awareness of those with developmental disabilities, such as the annual DD Awareness Month Bingo event.”
She said AgriLife Extension looks forward to supporting TCDD efforts toward helping communities across Texas build capacity to support people with developmental disabilities.
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