RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2026 AS “DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Poore & Rep. Phillips

Sens. Hocker, Hoffner, Huxtable, Mantzavinos, Paradee, Pettyjohn, Pinkney, Seigfried, Sokola, Townsend, Walsh, Wilson; Reps. Berry, Bolden, Burns, Gorman, Harris, Heffernan, K. Johnson, S. Moore, Morrison, Kamela Smith, Michael Smith, Snyder-Hall, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 154

RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2026 AS “DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavioral areas that begin during the developmental period and may impact daily functioning throughout an individual’s lifetime; and

WHEREAS, according to national data, approximately 1 in 6 children in the United States has a diagnosed developmental disability, reflecting a broad range of conditions including ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and other developmental delays; and

WHEREAS, in Delaware, the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) supports individuals with developmental disabilities and their families by providing community-based services, supports, and resources that promote independence and community inclusion; and

WHEREAS, March is recognized nationally as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, an annual campaign led by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities and its partners to highlight the importance of inclusion and the meaningful contributions of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life; and

WHEREAS, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in employment, education, housing, civic engagement, and community life, while recognizing the barriers that may still limit full participation; and

WHEREAS, fostering an inclusive society where people with and without disabilities live, work, and thrive together strengthens our communities and advances equity, opportunity, and belonging for all Delawareans; and

WHEREAS, continued advocacy, public awareness, and thoughtful policymaking are essential to ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities have access to the services, supports, and protections necessary to live self-determined and fulfilling lives; and

WHEREAS, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month serves as a call to action for policymakers, businesses, educators, and residents to promote accessibility, inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunity across the State of Delaware.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the members of the General Assembly hereby recognize the month of March 2026 as “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month” in the State of Delaware; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all Delawareans are encouraged to work toward a more inclusive state by supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, advocating for their rights, and fostering environments that promote their full participation in all aspects of life.

SYNOPSIS

This Concurrent Resolution recognizes the month of March 2026 as “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month” in the State of Delaware and highlights the importance of awareness, inclusion, advocacy, and equitable access to services and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Author: Senator Poore