March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

As part of efforts to promote inclusivity while celebrating those with developmental disorders, community members joined Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, the CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities, and University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities last Monday at the Saipan World Resort for a proclamation signing that designates March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

With Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas “RB” Camacho, Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog, and Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan also in attendance, many unsung heroes who both advocate and bring awareness to individuals who have special needs in the community witnessed the event.

During the proclamation signing 2024 Saipan Champions of Equal Opportunity were recognized, with Maria L. Olopai named as Saipan Advocate of 2024, Jerry Diaz as Saipan Educator Advocate of 2024, Green Meadows School and Joeten Superstore as Saipan Employer Advocate of 2024, and Thomas John DLC Manglona as the Saipan Legislative Advocate.

The Saipan Family Advocate of 2024 is the Nicholas family, the Saipan Self-Advocate for 2024 is Efren Nicholas, and the 2024 Saipan Public/Private Business Advocate is Karidat Social Services.

The 2024 Tinian Champions of Equal Opportunity were Maria H. Aguon as the Tinian Advocate of 2024, Tracy Sanchez was named the Tinian Educator Advocate of 2024, the Tinian Employer Advocate of 2024 is Tinian Western Lodge, and Susan San Nicolas is the Tinian Family Advocate of 2024. The Tinian Public/Private Business Advocate of 2024 is the Tinian Municipal Council, and Cherry Mae Penaranda is the 2024 Tinian Self-Advocate.

Composing the 2024 Rota Champions of Equal Opportunity were Concepcion Ulloa as Rota Advocate of 2024, Sen. Donald Manglona (Ind-Rota) as Rota Legislative Advocate 2024, the Rota Family Advocate is Pauline Manglona, Rota Employer Advocate of 2024 is Lucky Store, Doralynn Barcinas as 2024 Rota Educator Advocate, and the Rota Mayor’s Office as the Rota Public/Private Business Advocate. The Rota Self-Advocate of 2024 is Rosemina Poll.

The 2024 NMC-UCEDD Heroes were also named, with Jonathan Aguon from Saipan and Henry H. San Nicolas Jr. Tinian as the awardees.

With this year’s theme “A world of Opportunities,” these agencies and advocates hope that designating the month of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month serves as a profound reminder that each individual, regardless of their abilities, has the right to be respected, embraced, and provided with opportunities to succeed. They hope it encourages those with developmental disabilities to continue to dream and aspire and not let anything stop them, while also encouraging the island to continue to help support individuals with developmental disabilities and create a more understanding and inclusive community.