A majority of people agree that inclusion is a major ingredient to a successful company, state department, volunteer organization…heck, in life! Inclusion is important because by definition, we are bringing various skills to the table as well as equal but diverse personality traits that work together in reaching a goal (be it professionally or personally).
See Me for Me
Each year the month of March is designated as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Our awareness of developmental disabilities can be cognitive, which is good; or participative. This awareness month was first introduced in 1987. According to the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), a lot of things have changed since 1987 and although the mission of awareness remains the same (cognitive), it has expanded to the idea of living “side by side” (participative). NDRN further elaborates on how this year’s theme “See Me for Me” is another way of seeing another person rather than a person with a disability.
How to Participate
To participate is easy and with today’s access to social media and other electronic outlets can be far easier than it was in 
1987 to reach several people at a time. NDRN is asking people to share their stories, photos and resources to increase awareness. And if you want to “kick-it” up a notch, reach out to someone you know who has a disability.
- Share stories, photos, and videos that expand the conversation of inclusion and disability on your social media channels using #DDawareness18
- Search social media for #DDawareness18 and like, comment on, share, and retweet the posts from others
- Use this schedule to help guide the topic of your posts:
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- March 1-9 (Week 1): See Me as your Classmate (share Education stories)
- March 10-16 (Week 2): See Me as your Coworker (share Employment stories)
- March 17-23 (Week 3): See Me as your Neighbor (share Community Living stories)
- March 24-30 (Week 4): See Me as your Friend (share any kind of story) * See this resource guide for additional information and some suggestions of posts that you can share from campaign participants.
Additional information, including graphics; social media links for AUCD, NACDD, and NDRN; informational webinar archives; and DD Awareness Proclamations from several states are posted online at NACDD.org/DDAM.
Workforce Solutions is also being aware – of YOU! Regardless of ability, we are here to help you find a job, keep a job or get a better job. If you should have any questions regarding disability services that we provide, please see our website or visit any of our offices in the Gulf Coast area.
David Spears is a member of the Workforce Solutions Navigator team for the Texas Gulf Coast Region. Combining training and education to real world examples, David brings personal and professional experience with disabilities to the table in order to help job seekers with disabilities realize their potential. David has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration with over 20 years of experience in the business world.
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