March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

It is March and that means the National Center for START Services® is celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! Since 1987, March has been the month to intentionally focus on our goal of creating a world where every person has the chance to thrive. It is our responsibility to bring awareness to the barriers people with developmental disabilities face in our communities throughout the START network. Beyond awareness, we strive to bring people together and create solutions to those barriers. Our collective goal is to build inclusive communities where interdependence and individual contributions are highly valued.

What can you do this month?

• Spread awareness through your personal connections and on social media #DDAM2025
• Celebrate and share stories that promote diverse perspectives
• Organize and/or participate in programs, events, or advocacy campaigns that promote acceptance and inclusion. 
• Wear Orange! Orange is the official color of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and is a symbol of energy and positivity.  If you don’t usually wear bright colors, it may prompt people to comment and gives you an opportunity to spread awareness and share stories. 

Who organizes this event?

Every March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and its partners collaborate to lead Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). The annual campaign highlights how people with and without disabilities come together to form strong communities.

What is this year's theme? 

NACDD’s 2025 theme, We’re Here All Year, emphasizing that community, accessibility, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities should be recognized and championed every day—not just in March. 

This month reminds us that individuals with developmental disabilities are valuable members of our communities and deserve full participation in all aspects of life, including education, employment, recreation, and civic engagement.

Read more about Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month from NACDD.