March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate the community and create awareness about developmental disabilities.

A person with a developmental disability will have limitations due to mental or physical impairments. As a result of varying degrees of disabilities these individuals encounter many difficulties in language, mobility and independent living. National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month also brings to the front the incredible potential of these individuals. It’s an opportunity to share the stories of individuals with a disability to show that the goal of a successful life is within their reach. Community Connections of Winner supports and assists individuals to achieve this goal.

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month’s goal is to promote positive attitudes towards individuals with disabilities by fostering a “See Me for Me” theme. To us, this means looking beyond someone’s disability and seeing them as a person.

Community Connections supports individuals to make informed choices about their life, whether it is about their choice of housing, employment, personal goals or life style. Community Connections supports individuals by building on their strengths and capabilities which, in turn, develops independence and self-advocacy enhancing an individual’s dignity and quality of life. Community Connections fosters inclusion for these individuals within the community. They provide exposure and educate individuals on their responsibility and privilege to be a contributing member of the community. “We, at Community Connections, don’t see a disability, we see potential,” said Melony Bertram, executive director.

All people, regardless of disability, deserve the opportunity for a full and inclusive life in their community. These individuals contribute and give back to the community in a number of ways, by shopping locally, maintaining jobs at local businesses and spending their leisure time out in the community enjoying eating out, going to the movies and attending local events.

“So we are asking the members of the Winner community to join with us in celebrating March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month,” said Bertram.

Community Connections held an open house on March 23.

There has been much growth and changes within Community Connections over the years.