Celebrating Our Common Ground as People First

By Barb Griffith, Community Living President and CEO

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness month, a time when the nation takes a pause to recognize the contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities in our community. Across the United States, people with developmental disabilities represent between 1.2 and 1.6 percent of the total population, and the group includes those with intellectual and physical disabilities, and those with conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and autism.

Many of us know someone with a developmental disability, and we can easily recognize the ways in which they’re different from us. But, how many of us can say we’ve taken the time to examine the similarities that exist between us? Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month presents us with a unique opportunity to look deeper and examine and embrace the similarities we share as a collective community.

The next time you encounter an individual with a developmental disability, remember that they are people, just like everyone else – people who strive for social interaction, independent living options, employment opportunities and chances to get involved in their communities. While they have limitations and obstacles to overcome, so do the rest of us.

 We are all unique in our special ways, but we are bound by our shared commonality as people, first and foremost. As such, we must strive to recognize the value of people before attributing any specific ability or disability to them.

 As we begin to recognize our shared similarities and connections, it helps to reinforce that those with disabilities are really not that different at all and gives us common ground from which new relationships can grow.

 Perhaps then, rather than shying away when you run into an individual with a developmental disability, you’ll walk up and say hello. Remember the commonalities you share and treat them just as you would treat anyone else. You might just make a new friend.

St. Charles Patch invites readers to send in letters to the editor. Please limit your letters to 300 words or less, and include your full name, age, residence and telephone number (for verification purposes). You can e-mail your letters to me at kalen.ponche@patch.com. Be sure to write "Letter to the Editor" in the subject line.