For many of us in the disability community, every day is awareness day. But every March we try to spend a little extra time advocating and spreading awareness in the spirit of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Each March we select a theme to guide our efforts for the month and this year our theme is #InclusionMatters. When we work to make sure no one is left behind, we can create a community where nobody is left behind.
Pioneer Center has several different events planned throughout the month, both virtual and in-person. Take a look at the list below! We hope you will join us for some or all of them!
And of course, we want to see you using the hashtag #InclusionMatters all month long on social media!
Wednesday, March 2 10:00am-11:00am :: Ohio Developmental Disabilities Awareness & Advocacy Day Virtual Watch Party at Pioneer Admin Building. Come watch the State of Ohio’s presentation with friends, or register here: https://whova.com/portal/registration/heaad_202203/
Thursday, March 3 6:30pm-8:30pm :: Pioneer Center Art Showcase Opening Night at Pump House Center for the Arts. Show will be up through March 25, stop by during Pump House hours of operation!
Tuesday, March 15 6:00pm :: Learn ASL with Abby White *Virtual Presentation*
Click here to join
Friday, March 18 6:00pm-9:00pm :: Party at the Elks! Food and beverages will be for sale, band Felony4 will be playing. Event is Free to the public.
Monday, March 21 :: World Down Syndrome Day — Rock Your Socks! Post and tag Pioneer Center in photos of you wearing mismatched or colorful socks to show awareness for Down Syndrome. Use #PioneerRockSocks
Wednesday March 23 10:30am :: Adaptive Gaming with All Access Life *Virtual Presentation*
Click here to join
Tuesday March 29 4:00pm :: How to Become A Direct Support Professional with Art Nickles *Virtual Presentation*
Click here to join
Thursday March 31 6:00pm :: Pioneer Center Annual Awards Banquet at Ross County Service Center
Month-long Initiatives
- Downtown Window Painting by Pioneer School Students and Chillicothe High School Art League
- Book Donation to all first grade classrooms in Ross County
- Stories and Spotlights featured on our Social Media pages all month!
National Disability Awareness Month History
National Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month officially began in 1987 with a proclamation from President Reagan to help bring awareness and acceptance for people of every ability. Since then, families, self-advocates, advocacy groups and Ohio’s County Boards have been working to increase opportunities for people with disabilities. But there’s still more progress to be made.
How Can I Learn More?
We are committed to helping people reach their full potential through meaningful connections, but we need your help to make lasting progress. This March, ask yourself if you are doing all you can to make your community welcoming for people of every ability.
- Looking to hire people with disabilities? We can help connect and support your business.
- Want to get involved or volunteer? Check out opportunities with some of our partners.
- Does your organization need help to become more inclusive? Contact us and let us help!
- GET INVOLVED and be part of the change!