Every year, Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month is celebrated in March in cities and states across the country. Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation recognizing March 2020 as DD Awareness Month in Texas. The proclamation encourages Texans to support full inclusion and equality for people with DD. The proclamation also mentions that Texans can raise awareness this month about how classrooms, workplaces, houses of worship, and communities are stronger when they include people of all abilities.
State of Texas
Office of the Governor
Texas is home to an estimated 480,000 children with developmental disabilities. These young Texans have the same hopes and dreams as all Texans — to be self sufficient, work and earn a living, practice their faith, and be included in their community. People with developmental disabilities have unique abilities and experiences that contribute to our state’s rich diversity, just like all Texans and throughout our state’s history, people with developmental disabilities have made significant contributions to make the Lone Star State a better place for all Texans.
Texas is a stronger place when everyone is included in community life. Students with developmental disabilities who are included in classroom settings outside of special education are more likely to achieve their full academic potential. When people with disabilities are included in the general workforce, they have an opportunity to earn a competitive wage, work as part of a team, and impact the local economy. People with developmental disabilities who are included and active in their communities generally live longer, healthier lives and are more likely to give back to their communities. When inclusion becomes a way of life, communities in Texas are stronger.
Each year, March is designated to raise awareness about developmental disabilities and highlight the importance of including people of all abilities in all aspects of community life. This month, Texans can raise awareness about how classrooms, workplaces, houses of worship, and communities are stronger when they include people of all abilities. I encourage all Texans to raise awareness about developmental disabilities and support full inclusion and equality for all Texans
Therefore, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim March 2020 to be
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
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in Texas, and urge the appropriate recognition whereof.
In official recognition whereof,
I hereby affix my signature this the
27th day of February, 2020.
Governor of Texas
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