Developmental Disabilities Awareness

What is a Developmental Disability (DD)?

Written by: Amy Kerrigan, Community Education Specialist

The CDC defines a developmental disability as “a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.”

Developmental disabilities can start as early as birth or develop later in life. To receive services from the county board of developmental disabilities the disability must have occurred before the age of 22.

Between the ages of 0-3 years, if an infant has or is at risk of developmental disabilities, the Champaign Co Board of DD (CCBDD) can provide early intervention services. Early intervention also helps families when their child is ready to transition into school.

As a person with DD ages, CCBDD can provide them with a Service and Support Administrator (SSA). SSAs help individuals and families get the resources they need to live their lives to the fullest.

Do you or a loved one have a developmental disability and need extra help? Check out our website to see the services we offer and contact us for a referral.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

This year, for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we are not just celebrating the individuals with DD, but also everyone who contributes to the DD community. Let’s give a round of applause to those with developmental disabilities, their family members, their Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), their employers, their SSAs, and their friends.

Because of you more people can volunteer and help make their communities a better place.

Because of you more people can become valued members of the workforce and take pride in a job well done.

Because of you more people can laugh, have fun, and enjoy life to the fullest.

Because of you more people can show off their special abilities, and more people can receive the benefits of those abilities.

Because of you we are all helping each other to make our world a better place.

If you know someone with special abilities, share a picture or story of them on your social media pages. Spread the word about DD Awareness in March and all year round. Post with the hashtags  #DDawareness or #DDAM.

The Champaign Co Board of DD is here to connect all parts of the community. Ask us how you can be a part of it!