March Is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month In Franklin County

Staff members and clients of Occupational Services Inc., Chambersburg, joined the Franklin County Commissioners for a proclamation presentation during the commissioners’ public board meeting March 1.

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 individuals with developmental disabilities – to live, work and thrive in Franklin County.

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

By recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the commissioners have demonstrated their support for equality of opportunity, access and choice for Franklin County residents with developmental disabilities. They are also committed to the promise that Franklin County is a place where these individuals have the knowledge, opportunity and influence to make a difference in their communities.

Locally, the Franklin/Fulton Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities program provides support to individuals and their families and values what is important to them so that they can live everyday lives. There are currently 565 individuals in Franklin and Fulton counties who are registered with the program. Of those individuals:

• 85 have competitive, integrated employment;
• 145 utilize Community Participation Supports either through a licensed day service family or in the community;
• 129 use residential support programs such as Lifesharing, a residential group home or an apartment program;
• 382 live independently or with family; and
• 81 are under the age of 21 and are supported through their insurance

“We encourage all of our residents to support Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities and their families with kindness in all aspects of community life, and to help these individuals to be successful, productive and independent members of our community,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller.

The Franklin/Fulton Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities program provides support to individuals and families and values what is important to them so that they can live everyday lives. For more information on available services through the Franklin/Fulton Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities program, call 717-264-5387 or visit www.franklincountypa.gov.

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