Developmental Disabilities Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, developmental disabilities occur as a common challenge among all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups; and,

WHEREAS, recent estimates in the United States show that about one in six, or about 17%, of children aged three through seventeen years have one or more developmental disabilities; and,

WHEREAS, Virginians with developmental disabilities contribute significantly to our schools, families, faith communities, and workforce; and,

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth is committed to the process of transitioning to a community-based system of support for individuals with developmental disabilities and is redesigning critical programs and services to promote inclusion and community integration; and,

WHEREAS, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a time to recognize the efforts of parents and families to provide meaningful and full inclusion of their family members with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life and the commitment of the Commonwealth to identify and remove barriers and support inclusion for all Virginians; and,

WHEREAS, recognizing the abilities and contributions of people with developmental disabilities enriches our Commonwealth and signifies our pursuit of equal opportunity, access, and rights for individuals with disabilities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize March 2022 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations