Front row left to right: Alexis Gibson, Ann Artrip Transitions Manager MCBDD, Raven Carroll, John Higgins.
Back row left to right: Jason Pryor, Christopher Cleveland, Provider, Mayor Donna Carver, Glenn Lavan, Nurse Rhoda Justice.
Courtesy|The Village of Mount Gilead
MOUNT GILEAD- Mount Gilead Mayor Donna Carver officially proclaimed the month of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month during the regular village council meeting held on Monday, March 6.
At the meeting a special proclamation was presented for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month which will be recognized March 1-31.
The proclamation reads as following:
“Whereas, Ohio’s county boards of developmental disabilities were established by the Ohio General Assembly on October 25, 1967; and whereas the mission and purpose of Ohio’s county boards of DD remain as strong as ever, with county boards continuing to provide vital supports and resources to Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families,” the proclamation stated.
The proclamation continued to read that nearly 300 people with developmental disabilities served by the Morrow County Board of Developmental Disabilities, their families, friends, neighbors, and co-workers encourage everyone to focus on the abilities of all people.
“Whereas the most effective way to increase this awareness is through everyone’s active participation in community activities and the openness to learn and acknowledge each individual’s contribution; and whereas policies must be developed, attitudes shaped, and opportunities offered that are critical for individuals and vital for their future, and allow people with developmental disabilities to live as independently and productively as possible in our community; and whereas in recognition of this important goal, the theme for 2023 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is “Inspire Kindness,” the proclamation stated.
Carver stated in the proclamation, “Whereas I encourage all citizens to foster and support such opportunities that include full access within the community to education, housing, employment, and recreational activities; and now, therefore, I, Donna J. Carver, the Mayor of Mount Gilead, do hereby proclaim March 2023 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and offer full support to efforts that assist people with disabilities to make choices that enable them to live successful lives and realize their potential”
Carver continued on with the proclamation and stated she urged all citizens to join in the celebration by spreading awareness of the many contributions offered by people with developmental disabilities in the community.
