National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
posted 2/20/2017 in
Press Releases
Since 1987, March has been designated National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. During this month we celebrate the many contributions people with developmental disabilities make to our community as well as seek to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life. We also want to raise awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities face in connecting to communities in which they live.
According to the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) over 5 million Americans are estimated to have a developmental disability. The DD Act defines a developmental disability as a severe, chronic disability that occurs before an individual is 22 and is likely to continue indefinitely and results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, or economic self-sufficiency. These impairments require the individual to sustain lifelong or extended supports or assistance. Diagnosed conditions may include autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or spina bifida.
In Northeast and North Central Iowa, County Social Services (CSS), a partner of NEI3A, offers the I-START program designed to help individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and complex behavioral needs remain in their home or community placement. This evidence-informed model offers person-centered approaches and training to work in conjunction with current services. I-START provides prevention and intervention services through crisis response, training and consultation. The goal of the program is to create a support network that is able to respond to crisis needs at the community level.
If you would like more information or know of someone who could benefit from the I-START program, contact Jim Aberg, I-START Director, at jaberg@countysocialservices.org or call 641.903.5210 or LifeLong Links toll-free at 866.468.7887.