Just like You theme for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2010

Editor's note: As part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the Fulton County Expositor will be highlighting a series of programs the board provides. Just like you, board clients grow up, work and hopefully, retire. With this in mind, the series will cover programs for very young childrren, working adults and retired board clients.

The Fulton County Board of Developmental Disabilities celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March and invites you to consider the true meaning of this year's theme, "Just like You."

Statewide, and across the nation, organizations devoted to serving individuals with developmental disabilities are planning special events in March to raise public awareness of the many abilities people have, regardless of disability. "Just like You" encourages people to bring diversity to their communities by welcoming people with disabilities into local neighborhoods, workplaces, houses of worship and schools.

"Annually in March, our organization focuses on encouraging the public to better understand the individuals we serve," said Beth Friess, Superintendent.

"During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we encourage people to learn more about the almost 300 people in Fulton County who have disabilities. Children with disabilities go to school like other children. Adults with disabilities get up and go to work and pay their taxes like their neighbors. Like you, they enjoy playing and watching sports, going to the movies and hanging out with their friends. While in some way we are all different, in many more ways we are all the same.

During March, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, take some time to get acquainted with someone who has a developmental disability. You'll learn that everyone has something to offer and that people with disabilities are Just Like You!

The mission of the Fulton County Developmental Disabilities is to support people with disabilities and their families to achieve what is important to them, to work, live, learn, play and participate as equal citizens in their communities, Just Like You.