March Is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month In Franklin County

Individuals from Tender Hearted Services and Occupational Services Inc. as well as Franklin County staff and members of the public joined the Franklin County Commissioners in proclaiming March to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month during the commissioners’ March 6 public board meeting.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed March to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Franklin County and are drawing attention to the unlimited potential possessed by all residents – including those with developmental disabilities – to live, work and thrive in Franklin County.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month highlights the importance of including people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life. It is also a time to raise awareness of the barriers these individuals sometimes face within their own communities.

By recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the commissioners demonstrated their support for individuals with developmental disabilities as valuable members of Franklin County’s communities 

“We want Franklin County to be known as a place where everyone regardless of their abilities has the knowledge, opportunity and influence to make a difference in their communities,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst.

Locally, the Franklin/Fulton Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities program provides support to individuals and their families and values what is important to them so they can live everyday lives. There are currently 561 individuals in Franklin and Fulton counties who are registered with the program. Of those individuals:

• 86 have competitive, integrated employment;
• 141 utilize Community Participation Supports either through a licensed day service family or in the community;
• 135 use residential support programs such as Lifesharing, chapter 6400 community homes, or an apartment program;
• 413 live independently or with family; and
• 80 are under the age of 21 and are supported through their insurance

For more information on the Franklin/Fulton Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities program, call 717-264-5387 or visit www.franklincountypa.gov.

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