Councils in Action: New York New York’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) helps people and their families learn about self-advocacy – how to speak up for what they need. They provide training so people feel confident making changes in their communities.

1/ Councils in Action: #NewYork

New York’s Council on Developmental Disabilities #NYCDD helps people & their families learn about self-advocacy (how to speak up for what they need). They provide training so people feel confident making changes in their communities.

#DDCouncil #WereHereAllYear

Impact SC program participant photos and impact statements form a collage.

2/ Featured initiatives:
- IMPACT SC: Helps people learn to lead and reach personal goals.
- Equip: Helps young adults learn to live on their own.
- Helping people meet with leaders to talk about the help they need.

Learn more on our website: nacdd.org/were-here-al...

#WereHereAllYear

A smiling woman stands in front of the train station at Disneyland. Her nametag reads Emma and she is an obvious Disney fan! She has on Disney themed clothes, accessories, and a mouse-ears headband.

Meet Emma from #Texas!

On her YouTube channel “Talking Mickey Project” everyone is welcome - regardless of their abilities - to share in #Disney Fandom!

Read more We're Here All Year stories in our gallery: nacdd.org/2025-dd-awar...

#disabilities #disability #disabilityawareness #WereHereAllYear

Why do DD Councils Matter? Developmental disabilities (DD) Councils help make sure people with disabilities have a voice in everyday issues that impact them locally and across the state. They work so everyone can live, work, and take part in their community. They support ideas like living at home, having a job in a competitive, integrated environment, being able to go to school, being treated fairly, and being represented when big decisions are made.

Where did DD Councils Come From? Developmental disabilities (DD) Councils were created by a federal law called the Developmental Disabilities Act (DD Act). This law says every state and territory must have a council. The goal is to protect the rights of people with developmental disabilities and help them live full lives in their communities. This work has been going on for more than 50 years.

How do DD Councils Help Their State? Driven by their Five Year State Plans, developmental disabilities (DD) Councils launch and fund new ideas to solve problems that impact the disability community and create systems change. These can be training programs, creating toolkits, launching new programs, or bringing groups together to work on a shared goal. They also help people with disabilities and their families become leaders and speak up for themselves. Councils also educate and inform key decision makers and lawmakers to show what needs to change.

How You Can Get Involved The best way to get involved is to apply to become a Council member! Councils are required by law to have 60% of their membership be people with disabilities and their family members. Aside from applying to be a member, people can attend Council meetings, share ideas, and take part in council projects. Many councils also have newsletters, public forums, advocacy events, and social media pages where people can learn more and get engaged.

Swipe & learn all about what DD Councils are, what they do, how they work, & (most importantly) how YOU can get involved!

Visit the #WereHereAllYear gallery for personal stories from people with developmental #disabilities from across the nation.

Gallery link: nacdd.org/2025-dd-awar...

We're Here All Year DD Council Edition from NACDD

What is a DD Council? A State Developmental Disabilities (DD) Council is a group of people who work to make life better for people with DD. Every state and territory in the United States has a council. These councils listen to people with DD and their families. They help make plans, support new ideas, and guide leaders in the state.

What does a DD Council do? A developmental disabilities (DD) Council brings people together to look at problems across the state and find ways to fix them. The Council works with people with DD, family members, lawmakers, decision makers, service providers, and community leaders. They look at what is working and what is not working. Then they help create projects or programs that make the community better and more fair for people with DD and their families.

Who is on a DD Council? Every developmental disabilities (DD) Council is made up of people with DD and their family members, who are appointed by the Governor of their state. Also, people who work in disability services, lawmakers, and other stakeholders are a part of the Council. 60% of members are people with disabilities or family members. This helps the council understand real needs in the state.

Our 2025 theme, #WereHereAllYear emphasizes that community, accessibility & opportunities for people with developmental #disabilities should be recognized & championed

Developmental Disabilities Councils (often called DD Councils) work to support those ideals every day, in many different ways.

2025 DD Awareness Month: We Are Here All Year Photo Gallery

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities launched the DD Awareness Month Photo Gallery. NACDD collected hundreds of photos and stories that capture people with disabilities active in their communities. #WereHereAllYear #NACDD nacdd.org/2025-dd-awar...

Submit a photo that captures your journey—whether it’s a proud achievement, a moment of joy, or everyday life. Every story matters!

Share your photo
Add a caption with your story
Tag us & use #WereHereAllYear

Hurry! Submit via the online form before it’s too late: forms.office.com/r/FP6KbAV8MS

Watch our testimony, above, or read using the link below to learn about actionable steps MPD can take to better support and serve those with developmental disabilities in the District. (4/4)

#DDAM2025 #DevelopmentalDisabilitiesAwarenessMonth #WereHereAllYear

Submissions are being accepted till March 31, 2025 and will be unveiled in an online photo gallery later this spring.
Learn more and submit your photo here:
lnkd.in/eyGGBrZy

For more information, visit:
nacdd.org

#WeReHereAllYear #NACDD #DDAwareness

a group in the Illinois Capitol Rotunda holding signs that say Dignity in Pay

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a reminder that individuals with developmental disabilities are dynamic contributors to communities across Illinois. Awareness is not a 1-month initiative. People with Developmental Disabilities contribute everyday. #WeReHereAllYear #DDAM #NACDD

person behind camera. Another person in the background.

People with developmental disabilities are our neighbors, friends, and coworkers. Let's celebrate their contributions this Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and commit to "We're Here All Year!"

#WeReHereAllYear #NACDD #DDAwareness

Let's celebrate these fantastic individuals in our community and support their rights. Together, we can create a more inclusive environment for everyone! 

#WeReHereAllYear #DDAwareness #InvolveUs 2/

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! #WereHereAllYear is a reminder to champion inclusion & opportunity for individuals with I/DD every day. At #workABILITY, we break down barriers & create inclusive employment solutions with RI employers. Join us!

🔗 skillsforri.com/workability

ICDD logo. Text reads: We're Here All Year. Meet Us. Know Us. Involve Us.

The Calendar says March 16. We are halfway through the month, and people with developmental disabilities are here all year, going to school, going to work, engaging in the community, living our lives. #DDAM #WereHereAllYear #NACDD

We're Here All Year. Meet us. Know us. Involve us. Three women with arms around each other

We join the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and others this month in recognizing developmental disabilities awareness month. 

Learn more: https://f.mtr.cool/aqmarwefzh

#WeReHereAllYear #DDAwareness #InvolveUs

Top Text: March. Center Bold Text: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Background is three triangle shapes of light blue, dark blue, and light pink. Bottom of the graphic has 4 illustrations of people. Left, a curly red head, light skin, floral dress, and sitting in a motor chair happily. Left Center: A young girl with brown hair, light skin, playing a violin. Right Center: A person sitting in a chair wearing headphones with dark hair and dark skin, smilling. Right: A person with black hair and dark skin standing with a walker assistive device.

Bold Text: We're Here All Year! Under, the logo for the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. Logo is a big gold "C" shape with 2 "D" shapes inside, one being inverted. Text: NACDD is taking submissions for the “We’re Here All Year” Photo Gallery that will be unveiled in April

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! Today and all year we're reminded of the valuable contributions people with developmental disabilities bring to our communities.

#DisabilityRightsCalifornia #NACDD #DDAwareness #WereHereAllYear

A young man operates a video camera while others watch from the background. Text reads: 'We're Here ALL YEAR,' and "Meet Us. Know Us. Involve Us.'

#NACDD is excited to launch a year-round #DDAwareness campaign as a reminder that “We’re Here All Year” 

And they want to hear your story! 

The We’re Here All Year photo gallery will be shared in April! Share your story: forms.office.com/r/FP6KbAV8MS

Meet us. Know us. Involve us.
#WeReHereAllYear

March is #DevelopmentalDisabilitiesAwarenessMonth, but true inclusion happens all year long. It’s time to amplify voices, break barriers, and create real change.
How can we make our communities more inclusive? Drop your thoughts! 👇 #WereHereAllYear #InclusionMatters

This is Developmental Disability Awareness Month. @nacdd.bsky.social is reminding everyone that people with developmental disabilities are here all year. Share your pictures and stories.
#NACDD #IDD #Neurodiversity #DDAM #WeReHereAllYear

forms.office.com/pages/respon...

Un joven maneja una cámara de video mientras otros observan desde el fondo. El texto dice: "Estamos aquí TODO EL AÑO" y "Conócenos. Inclúyenos.

NACDD se complace en comenzar marzo con una campaña de concientización sobre discapacidades durante todo el año que les recuerda a todos que "estamos aquí todo el año".

Para obtener más información, visita: forms.office.com/r/FP6KbAV8MS

Conócenos. Inclúyenos.
#WeReHereAllYear #NACDD #DDAwareness

Brightly colored spotlights shine pointed down. Three diverse people are standing together and smiling. They are indoors in front of a patio door. Spotlight: developmental disabilities awareness month. Highlighting the activities and advocacy agenda of the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council. We're here all year.

In case you didn't see it, check out our March Spotlight e-newsletter: mailchi.mp/pa.gov/spotl...

#Pennsylvania #DDAM #NACDD #WeReHereAllYear #DisabilityAwareness

@nacdd.bsky.social
#WeReHereAllYear #DDAwareness #InvolveUs #NACDDGallery

2/2 While March provides an opportunity for heightened awareness, true awareness happens when we commit to creating accessible environments and productive opportunities all year round. Find out more via @nacdd.bsky.social online at: nacdd.org/ddam2025/

#WeReHereAllYear #NACDD #DDAwareness

We're excited to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The theme for 2025, #werehereallyear, emphasizes that people with developmental disabilities should be recognized and championed every day—not just in March. Let's celebrate our neighbors, coworkers, and friends!
#DDAwareness

This myth not only perpetuates stigma but also overlooks the profound love, joy, and mutual support that define these family relationships.
#DreamInspireBelong #DDAwareness #WeReHereAllYear #InclusionMatters #DDAM2025
@nacdd.bsky.social @dda604.bsky.social

PA Governor Proclaims March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month By Institute on Disabilities

PA's Governor Shapiro has signed a proclamation recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. We encourage all to consider this year's theme of the nationwide celebration: We're Here All Year.

The proclamation: buff.ly/ATQ3BLl

#DDAM #WeReHereAllYear #DDAwareness

three people smiling and hugging each other while facing camera. Text that reads "We're Here All Year. Meet us Know Us Involve Us" NaCDD logo

People with developmental disabilities are our neighbors, friends, and coworkers. Let's celebrate their contributions this Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and commit to "We're Here All Year!"

#WeReHereAllYear #NACDD #DDAwareness

Text Reads: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Disability Rights Arkansas. Graphic of a solid blue and green background.

⭐️March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a celebration held every March to honor the diverse talents, dreams, and achievements of people with developmental disabilities!⭐️

#DisabilityRightsAR #DDAM2025 #DevelopmentalDisabilitiesAwarenessMonth #WeReHereAllYear #DDAwareness

Whether it’s travel, education, or simply being part of everyday experiences, let’s continue to build a world where every family can thrive.

#enCircleAll #WeReHereAllYear #DDAwareness #InvolveUs #DisabilityAwareness

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, but community, accessibility & opportunities for people with developmental disabilities should be championed year-round.

#enCircleAll #WeReHereAllYear #DDAwareness #InvolveUs #DisabilityAwareness