March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
The Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA) helps educate people about the needs of those with developmental disabilities in an effort to help end the stigma.
Established in 1952, DDA currently serves over 1800 people in 50 locations across Richmond and Vancouver. These include daycares, drop-in centres and adult residential housing.
They aim to demonstrate the potential of those with developmental disabilities and their families through programs, support and advocacy.
“These are not people with a disability. They’re people just like everyone else,” says DDA executive director Alanna Hendren, who has been involved in the cause for over 40 years.
“They are people with a wide range of abilities that are very useful to the community as a whole. We know that a neurodiverse and inclusive society is one that benefits everybody,” she says.
DDA has developed a list of 10 myths about developmental disabilities, as follows:
1. People with developmental disabilities are a burden to their families
- Families with special needs cherish their children like anyone else.
2. People with developmental disabilities cannot live on their own
- Many are fully capable of living on their own, and do.
3. People with developmental disabilities cannot hold down jobs
- They can and do. Employers report higher job satisfaction with a neurodiverse staff.
4. People with developmental disabilities feel things differently
- They feel emotions just like any other human.
5. Developmental disabilities are contagious
- Developmental disabilities are conditions, not diseases.
6. Children with developmental disabilities do not do well in regular schools
- An inclusive school environment helps foster their social and economic independence.
7. Developmental disability is the same as ‘mental illness’
- A mental illness can affect anyone regardless of development.
8. Those with developmental disabilities cannot have romantic relationship
- Many do, in fact. They have the same feelings and needs as anyone else.
9. Those with developmental disabilities want your sympathy
- No they don’t. What they do want is dignity and respect.
10. Developmental disabilities are the result of genetics
- They are caused by many factors including genetics, environmental toxins, infections, birth complications, and more.
For more information on the Developmental Disabilities Association, visit their website: www.develop.bc.ca/programs/.
Hannah Scott, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Richmond Sentinel
