March Is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month In Franklin County

Lori Young, Franklin County IDD Specialist, accepts a proclamation recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month from Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller (left) and John Flannery. Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski attended the presentation virtually.

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 families and values what is important to them so that they can live everyday lives. There are currently 526 individuals in Franklin and Fulton counties who are registered with the program. Of those individuals:

• 81 have competitive, integrated employment;
• 157 utilize Community Participation Supports through a licensed day service facility;
• 134 use residential support programs such as lifesharing, residential habilitation group homes and an apartment program;
• 419 live independently or with family; and
• 91 are under the age of 21 and are supported through their insurance

The commissioners urge all residents to recognize that Franklin County becomes a strong, diverse community by celebrating and improving the lives of everyone, including people with developmental disabilities.

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.

Return to list.