Every March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and its partners collaborate to observe Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). The social media campaign highlights the many ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live.
The 2022 theme, Worlds Imagined, focuses on how the world is changing as we move through and beyond the pandemic. With this theme, NACDD plans to highlight intersectionality and disability, as well as how people with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) are living longer and more productive lives than ever before. The 2022 DDAM theme encourages exploration of new and ever-changing opportunities.
Related ACL Work
- State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (DD Councils) identify the most pressing needs of people with DD in their states/territories and work to address them through advocacy, systems change, and capacity-building efforts that promote self-determination, integration, and inclusion.
- University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research & Service (UCEDDs) are a nationwide network of independent but interlinked centers that address issues, find solutions, and advance research related to the needs of people with DD and their families.
- State Protection & Advocacy Systems (P&As) help people with disabilities to navigate the legal system to achieve resolution and encourage systems change. They ensure people are able to exercise their rights to make choices, contribute to society, and live independently.
- Projects of National Significance (PNS) focus on the most pressing issues affecting individuals with DD and their families, creating and enhancing opportunities for people to contribute to and participate in all areas of community life.
- Independent Living Programs, including Centers for Independent Living, work to support community living for people with disabilities by providing resources and supports that promote inclusion, integration, equal opportunities, and self-determination.
Recommended Hashtags
#DDawareness2022 (NACDD full tag)
#DDAM2022 (NACDD short-form tag)
#WorldsImagined (NACDD theme-specific tag)
#DevelopmentalDisabilities (tag to reach a wider audience)
Join the conversation on Twitter: Follow @ACLgov and @NACDD.
Social Media Graphics
Click on an image to view/download. These images may be customized and used freely without attribution to ACL.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
NACDD's DDAM logo features artwork by Calvin “Sonny” Clarke, selected from Art Enables. NACDD encourages others to use the image in their own branding and materials.