In 1987, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed March as National Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month. Every March, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities raises awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life, while also highlighting the barriers that people with disabilities still face to fully participate in their communities.
What is IDD? IDD refers to conditions that affect how a person learns, thinks, communicates, or takes care of daily tasks. These disabilities typically begin early in life and can make activities like speaking, problem-solving, or self-care more challenging. Common examples include Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy. People with IDD may need extra support to learn, work, and live as independently as possible.