March 2023: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

WHEREAS, March 2023 marks the 36th anniversary of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month; and,

WHEREAS, the purpose of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is to educate U.S. citizens about developmental disabilities and celebrate the many and varied contributions of people with lived experience of developmental disabilities; and,

WHEREAS, nationwide, approximately 57 million people have a disability; of those, approximately 180,000 people in Michigan have a developmental disability; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan residents with and without developmental disabilities work together, play together, learn together, and grow together; and,

WHEREAS, the strengths, abilities, and important contributions of people with developmental disabilities enrich the communities of Michigan and enhance our diversity; and,

WHEREAS, celebrations of a brighter future and greater opportunities come with the recognition that developmental disabilities should not keep individuals from realizing their full potential in school, at work or at home, or as members of their communities; and,

WHEREAS, activities during this month will encourage all citizens to recognize Michigan's advances concerning people with developmental disabilities, and also to acknowledge that our work to ensure full inclusion and integration of persons with developmental disabilities into all aspects of community life is not yet done;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 2023 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Michigan.

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