March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
A time to raise awareness about the inclusion of persons with developmental disabilities* in the Church and all areas of community life. Pope Francis’ 2019 message at the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, stated: “We are called to recognize in every person with disabilities, even complex and serious disabilities, a unique contribution to the common good through their original life stories. …and to recognize them as persons of equal dignity, as brothers and sisters in humanity.”
*Developmental disabilities are impairments in physical, learning, language or behavior areas, including autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and learning or intellectual disabilities.
Fact Sheet Information:
The CDC defines developmental disabilities as impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavior that begin during the developmental stage and typically last throughout a person’s lifespan. One example of a developmental disability is cerebral palsy, which is a motor disability that prevents a person’s ability to move their muscles. Developmental disabilities include—but are not limited to—intellectual disabilities that limit a person’s adaptive functioning in conceptual, practical, and social domains. Intellectual disabilities include autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
It is important for parishes and families to avoid making assumptions about the capabilities of a person with a developmental or intellectual disability since the capabilities and limitations of each person with these conditions varies widely. The National Catholic Partnership on Disability has a Council on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, which works to provide resources to promote the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in the Church. These resources can be found at www.ncpd.org.
Diocesan Library Resources
Our diocesan library has been renovated! Come visit to see the section with adaptive learning kits for sacramental preparation and catechesis as well as other resources for use with persons with disabilities, including those with autism. The library located at the Diocese of Youngstown central offices, 225 Elm St., Youngstown, OH 44503. Free Visitor Parking is available in the fenced-in lot at the corner of Rayen Ave. and Elm St. Please call before your visit to confirm that the resources you need are available: 330-744-8451.
We look forward assisting you!
Learn more about the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry.
