March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, talents, and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities in our community. At OneBridge Center, we’re proud to join communities across Ohio and the nation in recognizing this important observance.
What is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month?
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month was first established in 1987 when President Ronald Reagan declared March as a month dedicated to raising awareness and providing “our fellow citizens with such disabilities, both encouragement and the opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”
Since then, families, advocates, and county boards across the country have worked together each March to increase opportunities for people with disabilities and create more inclusive communities.
The 2026 Theme: “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always”
This year’s national theme, “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always,” reflects a simple truth: people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities, are active contributors today, and will continue shaping our future for generations to come.
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) leads this annual campaign, highlighting how people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities.
DD Awareness Month Events in Northeast Ohio
Summit County DD Board Events
Our neighbors in Summit County have organized several inclusive events throughout March 2026:
- Inclusion Day (March 2, 2026) – The kickoff to DD Awareness Month
- Akron Zoo Inclusion Days (February 28-March 2, 2026) – Free admission opportunities
- Inclusive Art Walk (March 12, 2026) – 3rd annual event at Summit Art Space
- We Rock the Spectrum (March 16-20, 2026) – $5 off admission for children wearing orange
- Appreciation Breakfast – Recognizing self-advocates, direct support professionals, and community allies
Learn more about Summit County DD’s events at summitdd.org.
Ohio DD Awareness & Advocacy Day
On March 4, 2026, hundreds of advocates will gather at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus for the annual DD Awareness & Advocacy Day. This event brings together Ohioans with developmental disabilities, their families, and allies to advocate on issues important to the disability community.
Medina County Opportunities
The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities serves over 1,390 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. They provide essential services including early intervention, education opportunities, employment support, and community living assistance.
We encourage our community to connect with the Medina County Board of DD to learn about local events and ways to get involved this March.
How OneBridge Center Celebrates DD Awareness Month
At OneBridge Center, celebrating developmental disabilities awareness isn’t just something we do in March—it’s at the heart of everything we do year-round.
Through our vocational rehabilitation and adult day services programs in Medina, we help individuals with developmental disabilities:
- Gain digital skills and job readiness training
- Secure meaningful employment in the community
- Develop independence and confidence
- Participate in social and community activities
Real Success Stories from Our Community
Joe’s Journey: Joe came to our DigiSkills program facing severe anxiety with challenging tasks. Through staff support and peer teaching, his typing reached 94% accuracy within six months, and he improved his overall grade average by over 91%. Today, Joe is a paid peer teacher at OneBridge Center. Read Joe’s full story.
Jonathan’s Path to Employment: Referred to OneBridge for a community-based assessment through Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, Jonathan completed a five-day evaluation at Habitat for Humanity. With support from our employment services team, he successfully secured a position at the nearby Amazon warehouse and began working in November 2023.
Julie’s Teaching Career: Julie came to our program with little digital skills but a strong desire to help others learn. She achieved 100% on MS Excel 2016 basic courses and now teaches others how to use Excel, preparing for an assistant teacher position.
These stories represent just a few of the many individuals in Medina County who are contributing to our community through meaningful work and engagement.
5 Ways to Support DD Awareness Month in Medina County
1. Educate Yourself and Others
Learn about developmental disabilities and share accurate information with your family, friends, and coworkers. Understanding leads to inclusion.
2. Use Inclusive Language
Person-first language recognizes the individual before the disability. Say “person with a developmental disability” rather than defining someone by their diagnosis.
3. Support Local Organizations
Organizations like OneBridge Center, the Medina County Board of DD, and other local providers rely on community support to serve individuals with developmental disabilities. Consider volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word about available services.
4. Advocate for Inclusive Employment
Employers play a crucial role in creating opportunities. If you’re a business owner or hiring manager, consider the benefits of a neurodiverse workforce. Learn how to support inclusive hiring.
5. Participate in Community Events
Attend local DD Awareness Month events, inclusive art walks, or community gatherings. Your presence sends a powerful message of acceptance and support.
The Importance of Community Inclusion
Developmental disabilities awareness isn’t just about education—it’s about action. True inclusion means:
- Employment Opportunities: People with developmental disabilities deserve access to meaningful work that matches their skills and interests
- Community Participation: Everyone should have opportunities to engage in community day out activities and social events
- Educational Access: Quality vocational training prepares individuals for success
- Barrier Removal: We must continually work to eliminate physical, social, and systemic obstacles to full participation
Looking Beyond March
While DD Awareness Month provides a focused time to celebrate and advocate, the goal is year-round inclusion. The actions we take during March—whether hiring a candidate with a disability, improving accessibility, or simply learning new terminology—should lay the groundwork for permanent change.
At OneBridge Center, we’re committed to this work every day of the year. Our person-centered approach ensures that every participant receives individualized support tailored to their unique strengths, goals, and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About DD Awareness Month
Q: What types of disabilities are considered developmental disabilities?
A: Developmental disabilities include autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, and other conditions that begin during the developmental period and impact daily functioning. Learn more about our services.
Q: How can my business participate in DD Awareness Month?
A: Consider partnering with local organizations, offering inclusive employment opportunities, hosting awareness events, or sharing information on your social media channels using #DDawareness2026.
Q: What services are available in Medina County for adults with developmental disabilities?
A: OneBridge Center offers comprehensive vocational rehabilitation, employment services, and adult day programs. The Medina County Board of DD provides case management and connects individuals to community services.
Q: How can families access support services?
A: Families can contact the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities or reach out to providers like OneBridge Center. For those eligible, services through Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) may be available.
Get Involved with OneBridge Center
This DD Awareness Month, we invite the Medina community to learn more about how we’re empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their goals.
Interested in our programs? Schedule a tour of our facility to see our DigiSkills and Life N Tech programs in action.
Are you an employer? Contact us to learn how we can help you build a more inclusive workplace through job development and ongoing support services.
Want to stay connected? Follow our journey throughout DD Awareness Month and beyond by visiting our blog for more success stories and community updates.
Join the Movement
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month reminds us that inclusion isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing commitment to recognizing the value, dignity, and potential of every person in our community.
Whether you’re a family member, educator, employer, or community member, you have a role to play in creating a more inclusive Medina County. This March, let’s celebrate the achievements of individuals with developmental disabilities and recommit ourselves to removing barriers and creating opportunities for all.
Together, we can build a community where everyone has the chance to thrive.
OneBridge Center
387 Medina Road, Suite 600
Medina, Ohio 44256
(330) 267-7556
info@onebridgecenter.com
OneBridge Center provides vocational rehabilitation and adult day services, serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Medina County and surrounding areas.