DDAWNY Launches Campaign to Foster Greater Public Awareness of People with Developmental Disabilities
(Kenmore, N.Y., January 25, 2006) – The Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York (DDAWNY) has announced the launch of “Think Ability First,” a public education campaign aimed at fostering even greater public awareness and acceptance of people who have mental retardation and other developmental disabilities, as well as the agencies that provide them with community supports.
According to Wendy McCarthy, DDAWNY association manager, “Think Ability First” will benefit over 18,000 adults and children with developmental disabilities and their families who are served by its more than 40 member agencies.
“It's time to recognize citizens in our community who have a developmental disability as active citizens, good workers and good neighbors," said McCarthy. “We want to replace attitudinal barriers and negative attitudes with awareness and understanding to give these citizens increased access to employment, education, housing and social opportunities.”
To be launched in February 2006, the campaign features the tag line: “I may have a developmental disability, but I can vote, I can volunteer, I can be a neighbor, I can work, and I can be a friend." This message will be delivered through print and bus side advertisements, press releases, public service announcements, and posters to encourage people to focus on what individuals with a developmental disability can do, instead of what they cannot do.
“We seek to help the Western New York community understand that people with developmental disabilities can fulfill the same responsibilities and enjoy the same life experiences as those without disabilities,” said McCarthy.
For example, people with disabilities still experience an unemployment rate of about 70 percent, the highest of any group in the nation. Yet polls conducted by the National Organization on Disability and others continue to show that persons with disabilities are eager for an opportunity to contribute their skills and abilities to the nation’s employers. Studies by Sears, Dupont and others have shown that employees with disabilities have a positive impact on the workplace.
The Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York (DDAWNY) is a unique collaboration of more than 40 private not-for-profit agencies that provide services to more than 18,000 adults and children with developmental disabilities and their families. While honoring individual agency missions, it is the intent of the Alliance to assist agencies to develop relationships, promote unified strategies and share risks for the mutual gain with and for the benefit of people with developmental disabilities
Think ABILITY First! 
