A woman with brown hair wearing a brown shirt. She is standing under a tree smiling. Maryland DD Council logo We're Here: Then, Now, Always. NACDD logo
People with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities, and always will be. We close out Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) with a final story from one of our newest Council members, Kimberly.
#DDAM2026 | @nacdd.bsky.social
Coming soon: A national portrait collection!
We’ll be inviting individuals and families to share their photo and answer one question about their future — their “Always.”
Because we’re here.
Then, Now, Always.
Stay tuned.
#DDAM2026
Self-advocates from the SCARC would like to highlight their abilities for DD Awareness Month! #DDAM2026
Every person deserves the support to live the life they choose. This #DDAM2026, we celebrate the individuals we serve and the connections that make it possible. 💙
Want to learn more? Call (757) 442-3933, ext. 400.
Self-advocates from the SCARC would like to highlight their abilities for DD Awareness Month! #DDAM2026
Photo of person with disabilities being assisted at a clinic by a health worker. Purple banner with text: Make Your Practice Accessible for Everyone
Accessible preventive care should always be the norm. This Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (#DDAM2026), learn how to make your preventive screenings accessible to all patients with resources from our Screening for All initiative: https://loom.ly/QXrg-aY #InclusiveCare #AccessToCare
Disability activists have fought for the rights we have now. Now is the time to continue this legacy. Advocacy begins with building relationships. Introduce yourself to your lawmakers here: https://ow.ly/LyAp50YyX0l Credit to National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. #DDAM2026
An image of a black man smiling. He is wearing a striped shirt. Maryland DD Council logo We're Here Then, Now, Always NACDD logo
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). During DDAM, we are sharing stories from Council members to connect the past, present, and future. Today's story is from Damon Briggs. #DDAM2026
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month recognizes the contributions of people with developmental disabilities and the work still needed to ensure full participation in community life.
#DevelopmentalDisabilitiesAwarenessMonth #DDAM2026 #DisabilityRights #TASH
Self-advocates from the SCARC would like to highlight their abilities for DD Awareness Month! #DDAM2026
This #DDAM2026, we're highlighting resources from other organizations working to improve healthcare quality & accessibility for patients with #IDD. The HealthMatters Program offers health promotion programs for people with IDD & their supports. healthmattersprogram.org
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! This year's theme, "We're Here: Then, Now, Always," highlights the importance of policies that secure the community's financial future and prioritize inclusion. #DDAM2026
Self-advocates Clint, Carol, Victor and Tara from the Council 1 would like to highlight their abilities for DD Awareness Month! #DDAM2026
Attending a protest or rally? Then you will need the perfect sign! Follow these tips to make sure your sign is thoughtful and creative! #DDAM2026 #HighlightYourAbilities
Self-advocates Ellen, Shondel, and Joe from the Council 4&5 would like to highlight their abilities for DD Awareness Month! #DDAM2026
Advocating can be difficult and sometimes scary. But your voice is just as important as everyone else's! Self-advocate Renee touches on the topic of the power of advocacy and making sure you are heard. #DDAM2026
Giving written or verbal testimony is one of the most effective ways to advocate on legislative or policy issues. Anyone can make their voice heard and the NJSAP Team and the self-advocates of the NJSSAN are here to help guide you through it! #DDAM2026
For #DDAM2026, we’re launching a relationship-building effort.
People w/ developmental #disabilities, families & community members can connect w/ local, state, & federal decision-makers.
Your voice matters. Your story matters.
Introduce yourself to lawmakers here: nacdd.quorum.us/DDAM2026/
Here are some tips on how to find advocacy groups in your area!
-Reach out to local service providers
-Search online
-Check for events at your library and coffee shops
-Ask your friends and family
-Utilize resource guides
-We can also help you start one!!
#DDAM2026
Join us at our St. John's clinic from 2 to 4 PM on Saturday, March 28, 2026 to create art on-site, participate in our raffle, and meet local service organizations and providers.
📍 6937 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78752 #ddam2026 #idd #developmentaldisability #atx
Self-advocates Andrew and Kim from the Statewide AM Council would like to highlight their abilities for DD Awareness Month! #DDAM2026
People with IDD are not all the same! IDD encompasses an umbrella of disabilities. Self-advocates should be treated as individuals with their own personalities and life experiences, just like everyone else!
#DDAM2026 #HighlightYourAbilities
A colorful graphic celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). At the top, orange text is surrounded by dark blue accent marks. Below it, purple text reads: "Meet Corbin! A talented musician who enjoys visiting local coffee shops & spending time with his housemates!!"
With the launch of We’re Here: Then, Now, Always a campaign by #DDAM2026, we join communities from across the country to observe and celebrate people with I /DD. Visit our website to read Corbin's story: buff.ly/bSsrZSk
#WeReHere #ThenNowAlways #DDAM2026
Voting is a huge part of advocacy! Can you separate the fact from fiction? Take our quiz and find out! #DDAM2026
docs.google.com/form...
Don't ask questions of staff and/or family members that an individual can answer on their own. If you have a question about a person with IDD, ask them directly when possible.
#DDAM2026 #HighlightYourAbilities
Three men laugh together at an outdoor 5K event. Two of the men use wheelchairs, and one kneels between them. All three wear matching green shirts that read “Lead From the Front.” One man’s race bib is visible. Other participants, trees, and event signage can be seen in the background. Text on the image reads, “We’re Here. Then, Now, Always.” alongside the NACDD logo.
Community living is not just a program.
It means:
✔ Choosing where you live
✔ Having a job you care about
✔ Building relationships
✔ Being part of your neighborhood
It’s a whole life.
#DDAM2026
Never use the "R" word! Use "self-advocate" or person-first language such as "a person with IDD".
When speaking directly to someone, use their name.
#DDAM2026 #HighlightYourAbilities
“We’re Here: Then, Now, Always.”
A powerful reminder to celebrate inclusion & the contributions of people with intellectual & developmental disabilities year-round.
Grateful for our PNW partners working to expand inclusive housing, jobs, education & community.
#DDAM2026 #Inclusion #Accessibility
