RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2025 AS “DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Poore & Rep. Griffith & Rep. Heffernan & Rep. Phillips

Sens. Buckson, Cruce, Hansen, Hoffner, Huxtable, Mantzavinos, Pettyjohn, Pinkney, Seigfried, Sokola, Townsend, Wilson; Reps. Hensley, Hilovsky, K. Johnson, S. Moore, Morrison, Osienski, Romer, Ross Levin, Kamela Smith, Snyder-Hall

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 39

RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2025 AS “DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas, and about 1 in 6 children in the United States have 1 or more developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 24% or 1 in 4 adult Delawareans live with a developmental disability, and according to the CDC, in the United States, about 1 in 6 children have a developmental disability; and

WHEREAS, 186,592 Delawareans aged 18 and over have developmental disabilities which may impact mobility, cognition, independent living, hearing, vision, and self-care; and

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

WHEREAS, individuals with developmental disabilities, including those with invisible disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities, make valuable contributions to Delaware communities; and

WHEREAS, March is recognized nationally as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, an annual campaign led by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and its partners to highlight how people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities; and

WHEREAS, the 2025 theme, “We're Here All Year,” emphasizes that community, accessibility, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities should be recognized and championed every day, not just in March; and

WHEREAS, in Delaware, people with developmental disabilities have higher risks of depression, obesity, diabetes, and substance use; and

WHEREAS, according to the CDC, teenagers with a developmental disability are more likely to be bullied than teenagers without a developmental disability and teenagers who are bullied are nearly twice as likely to experience anxiety or depression; and

WHEREAS, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life and the barriers they still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live; and

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

WHEREAS, Delaware is committed to advocating for marginalized communities such as those with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, ongoing Federal and state policy changes and funding decisions threaten critical services and protections for individuals with developmental disabilities, making advocacy and awareness more important than ever; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative to recognize the progress made while also committing to addressing the systemic barriers that persist, ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities have equal access to opportunities and the support necessary to live independent and fulfilling lives; and

WHEREAS, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month serves as a call to action for policymakers, businesses, and citizens to engage in efforts that promote accessibility, inclusion, and the dignity of every individual.

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 2025 as “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month” in the State of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all Delawareans are encouraged to work towards 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 2025 as “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month” in Delaware and aims to highlight the prevalence of developmental disabilities both nationally and within Delaware, emphasizing the importance of awareness, inclusion, and advocacy to support and empower individuals with developmental disabilities.

Author: Senator Poore