Free concert series to raise spirits and awareness during March

Artists join Bethesda to celebrate National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Milwaukee – Top Christian artist Crowder will headline a month of virtual concert events designed to raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities people with disabilities face, and how far they’ve come in achieving independence and lives of promise.

Bethesda, a national nonprofit organization supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is bringing artists and fans together during National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March. The Better Together Concert Series will feature:

  • Monday, March 1, 8 p.m. ET: An Evening with Jess Meuse and Friends. Broadcast from AbleLight Village in Victoria, Minn., enjoy a special performance from American Idol finalist Jessica Meuse featuring her song written especially for the people Bethesda supports, “Because You Love Me.”
  • Thursday, March 18, 8 p.m. ET: At Home with the Cash Family. Coming straight from Nashville, Cindy Cash and Mark Alan, daughter and nephew of Johnny Cash, will serenade concertgoers with some of Johnny’s most popular tunes, as well as give an exclusive look at one of his favorite places where many of his legendary songs were written and performed.
  • Thursday, March 25, 7:30 p.m. ET: LIVE – Better Together: A Free Virtual Concert Featuring Crowder. Join Bethesda and Christian music superstar Crowder for a live performance from Forest Hill Church in Charlotte, N.C., as he inspires with his music and helps shine a light on people with disabilities and their many talents. This event is the same day as Bethesda’s Better Together day of giving.


Complete concert information, including links to RSVP, can be found at IncludeAllAbilities.com/Concert.

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month was proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1987. The proclamation called upon all Americans to provide support and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to reach their potential. Back then, the idea that individuals with developmental disabilities could be productive contributors in the workforce was relatively new and preconceptions had to be overcome. With the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, workplace discrimination against individuals with developmental disabilities became a legally punishable offense.

Each March, Bethesda demonstrates how everyone can do more to include all abilities. Learn more about Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and Bethesda’s campaign at IncludeAllAbilities.com. Resources on the dedicated website include:

  • An overview to the issues, latest facts and figures, and solutions needed
  • A guide for employers interested in hiring a person with a developmental disability
  • A guide to communication – what to say about and to people with disabilities
  • Access to lawmakers for advocacy purposes
  • Inspiring stories of people with I/DD
  • And much more – check back often

Bethesda will also employ the hashtag #IncludeAllAbilities on social media and encourages everyone to use it to personally support the campaign and spread the word about the need to include.

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About AbleLight

AbleLight is a national leader in pioneering life-changing services that empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive. Founded in 1904 in Wisconsin as a Christian mission, AbleLight promotes independence and inclusion across the U.S. through comprehensive and individualized supports that include housing, employment, spiritual life and much more. For details, go to AbleLight.org, like our Facebook page and follow us on LinkedIn.