The Arc of Essex County to Celebrate Developmental Disabilities and Autism Awareness Months

The Arc of Essex County, a 501c3 organization dedicated to helping children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) will celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month this March and Autism Awareness Month in April by hosting and participating in numerous community events. We encourage the community to join The Arc of Essex County in promoting awareness and participation. Events include:

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Events in March:

• March 14 – Natalie Hale’s “Special Reads for Special Needs” presentation at The Stepping Stones School
• March 18 – Home Assistance Program families to participate in the Payless GivesTM Shoes 4 Kids giving program
• March 18 – Meet the Support Coordination Agencies Event at Opportunity Zone
• March 27 – Day Program Art Display at Opportunity Zone
• March 30 – Deadline to submit applications for the Student Ambassador Program

Autism Awareness Events in April:

• April 8 – Open House at Raymour & Flanigan in Fairfield, NJ
• April 25 – 17th Annual Building Tomorrows 5K Race, 2-Mile Walk, and Family Fun Fest in Bloomfield, NJ

“Developmental Disabilities and Autism Awareness months are great opportunities to reflect on the progress we, as a society, have made in furthering the public’s knowledge and awareness of intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism,” said Linda C. Lucas, chief executive officer, The Arc of Essex County. “We are delighted to participate in and host a number of events over the next two months celebrating the individuals and families we serve and spreading the mission of The Arc of Essex County throughout the community.”

Ronald Reagan declared March to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in 1987. Now, in 2015, The Arc continues to lead the way in promoting awareness of the strengths and achievements of Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With the help of The Arc, and many other organizations around the world, people of all ages with I/DD are able to lead lives never thought possible 28 years ago. Today, people with I/DD are living and working in the community, pursuing higher education, developing their faith, and making their voices heard in all aspects of life.

According to the New Jersey Department of Human Services, roughly 29,000 New Jersey residents have an intellectual or developmental disability, and the CDC estimates one in 45 New Jersey children has autism. The effects of intellectual and developmental disabilities vary among people who live with them. Sometimes it can be a struggle for a child to simply learn in school or for an adult to obtain the skills to live independently. With the help of supports and services, like those provided by The Arc of Essex County, children and adults with I/DD are able to receive the care they need to foster achievement no matter what their age.

For more information about The Arc of Essex County’s upcoming events, please visit www.arcessex.org/events.

About The Arc of Essex County:

The Arc of Essex County is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to helping children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities participate in every level of our society and enjoy fuller, more independent lives. Founded in 1948, The Arc of Essex County provides a wide variety of programs and services that support nearly 1,500 people throughout Essex County from birth to their senior years. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.arcessex.org.