Governor Tim Walz Proclaims March 2023 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
View the entire proclamation by Governor Tim Walz as PDF
Read the text of the proclamation below:
WHEREAS:
2023 marks the fifty-third anniversary of the United States Congress passing a law that today is titled the Federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act); and
WHEREAS:
The DD Act defines developmental disabilities as "a natural part of the human experience that does not diminish the right of individuals with developmental disabilities to live independently, enjoy self-determination, make choices, contribute to society and experience full integration and inclusion in the economic, political, social, cultural, and educational mainstream of society"; and
WHEREAS:
Approximately 1.58% of Minnesotans have a developmental disability; and
WHEREAS:
Individuals with developmental disabilities should be provided with the information, skills, opportunities, and individualized supports to make informed choices and decisions about their own lives; and
WHEREAS:
Individuals with developmental disabilities can make choices to live in homes and communities with persons and support providers of their choice, in which such individuals can exercise their full human and civil rights and responsibilities as citizens, pursue meaningful and productive lives and careers, contribute to their families, communities, state, and nation, and have independent friendships and relationships with people with and without disabilities; and
WHEREAS:
It is crucial that individuals can live free of abuse, neglect, and violations of their legal and human rights and achieve full integration, inclusion and belonging in society, in an individualized manner, consistent with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, and capabilities of each individual; and
WHEREAS:
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month provides for individuals and families to share their experiences and knowledge with the public so that we all may be made more aware of how developmental disabilities affect all of our lives.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim March 2023 as:
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH
in the State of Minnesota