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March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
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Posted on Mar 01 2000
Acting Gov. Jesus R. Sablan proclaimed March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to help persons with disabilities improve their lives and recognize their contributions to the community.
In signing the proclamation yesterday, Mr. Sablan praised efforts by the CNMI Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council in providing opportunities to these people and in educating the public about these disabilities and their rights.
“Through increased awareness of such programs, the public’s understanding of the human potential and needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families has steadily increased,” he said.
“Recognizing that they are equal members of our society, our community must be made more aware of the capabilities of and to provide opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities,” added Mr. Sablan.
He said the government is committed to support activities lined up for this special month as he encouraged the people to participate in these events.
At the same time, Mr. Sablan also declared March as the Special Education Child Find Month in the CNMI to coincide with its observance.
The Public School System is tasked with the responsibility to ensure that all children with disabilities on the island, including those attending private schools, regardless of the severity of their disability, and who are in need of special education and related services are identified, located and evaluated, he said.
“… [A] practical method is developed and implemented to determine which children are currently receiving needed special education and related services,” Mr. Sablan explained. “[A]ll children are special, in all ways educational and therefore, be treated with dignity and respect as everyone else.”
