Each March, we celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) by recognizing people with developmental disabilities as friends, coworkers, leaders, and neighbors who strengthen our communities every day. It is a time to highlight contributions, listen to experiences, and reflect on what true inclusion looks like in daily life.
This year, our theme, Power in Possibilities, highlights how the right supports, opportunities, and attitudes can shape lives of independence, purpose, and belonging.
How DDAM began
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, calling for greater opportunity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. Since then, policies such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) have helped protect rights and open doors for employment, community life, and public spaces.
Even with this progress, many people with developmental disabilities still encounter significant challenges in daily life. DDAM is a reminder that awareness and action are both needed.
Why DDAM Matters
Millions of people with developmental disabilities still face barriers every day that make it harder to access the resources, relationships, and opportunities needed to flourish.
These challenges make it harder for individuals to gain independence, form meaningful relationships, and fully participate in their communities. DDAM is a time to recognize these realities and to support efforts that create lasting, community-based solutions.
How you can get involved
Together, we can help highlight the Power in Possibilities and support people with developmental disabilities in meaningful ways during DDAM. Here are a few ways to participate during DDAM.
- Spread awareness
Throughout March, we will share stories, facts, and ways to get involved that show what becomes possible when people with developmental disabilities are supported, valued, and included. Engage with us on social media by liking, sharing, and starting conversations in your own circles.
- Round-Up at AbleLight Thrift Shops
When you shop at AbleLight Thrift Shops in March, you can support the Power in Possibilities by rounding up your purchase at checkout. Your round-up helps fund housing, employment, and community programs for people with developmental disabilities, while also supporting meaningful, paid jobs in our Thrift Shops.
- Give a gift
If you are able, consider making a gift during DDAM to support programs that create opportunities for independence, purpose, and belonging. Every contribution helps move us closer to communities where people with developmental disabilities are loved, secure, and flourishing.
- Advocate for inclusion
Use your voice to support policies and practices that expand access to housing, employment, transportation, and community-based services. Learning about local and national issues that affect people with developmental disabilities is an important step toward meaningful change.
- Wear Orange Wednesdays
Orange is the official color to DDAM and represents inclusion, acceptance, and opportunity. Wearing orange on Wednesdays in March is a simple way to show support for Power in Possibilities, spark conversations, and help raise awareness.
Share your photos wearing orange with us at Marketing@AbleLight.org!*
*Please note: By submitting photos, you are granting AbleLight permission to share photos on our website, social media channels, and other platforms.
Every action matters
DDAM is a time to celebrate, listen, and take action. Whether you are rounding up at the register, learning more about the issues, wearing orange, or simply taking time to appreciate the people with developmental disabilities in your life, your participation helps build more inclusive communities.
This March, lets recognize the Power in Possibilities and keep working toward communities where every person is welcomed, supported, and able to live a full and connected life.
Sources
[1] U.S. Congress. (2025, April 29). Medicaid Section 1915(c) Home- and Community-Based Services Waivers (CRS Report No. 948519). Congressional Research Service. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48519
[2] National Core Indicators (2025). 2023-24 NCI-IDD In-Person Survey data at a glance https://idd.nationalcoreindicators.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/NCI-IDD-IPS-2023-24-At-a-Glance.pdf
[3] National Core Indicators (2025). 2023-24 NCI-IDD In-Person Survey data at a glance https://idd.nationalcoreindicators.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/NCI-IDD-IPS-2023-24-At-a-Glance.pdf