March 2022 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

WHEREAS, nationwide, approximately 57 million people have a disability; of those, approximately 180,000 people in Michigan have a developmental disability; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan residents with and without disabilities work together, play together, worship together, learn together, and grow together; and,

WHEREAS, every person, regardless of ability, has valuable strengths, infinite capacity to learn, and the potential to make important contributions to one's local community; and,

WHEREAS, celebrating the abilities and contributions of people with developmental disabilities enriches the communities of Michigan and enhance our diversity; and,

WHEREAS, celebrations of a brighter future and greater opportunities come with the recognition that developmental disabilities should not keep individuals from realizing their full potential in school, at work or at home, or as members of their families and of their communities, and,

WHEREAS, during this month, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services encourages all citizens not only to recognize Michigan's advances concerning persons with disabilities, but also to acknowledge that our work to ensure full inclusion and integration of persons with disabilities into employment and community-based settings is not yet done;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 2022 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.