March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Written by Nancy Johnson, LPN Training and Special Projects Nurse

Disability inclusion refers to providing equal access to opportunities and resources for individuals with disabilities through measures such as accessibility, accommodation, and acceptance. Unfortunately, many people with disabilities face challenges in achieving inclusion due to stigma, structural obstacles, and various other barriers. These challenges can significantly hinder or even prevent individuals with disabilities from participating in society on an equal footing. The seven most common obstacles to disability inclusion are:

In celebration of Developmental Disability Awareness Month, let us commit ourselves to dismantling barriers and ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the same opportunities. Together, we can create amore inclusive and equitable environment for all.

Resources

Hackett, A., Iddeng, J. W., & Handal, S. (2025, January17). Breaking down barriers – a new model for disability inclusion in Education. Education International. https://www.ei-ie.org/en/item/29309:breaking-down-barriers-a-new-model-for-disability-inclusion-in-education

Meeks, L. M. (2018, April). Removing barriers and facilitating access: I. LWW. https://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/fulltext/2018/04000/removing_barriers_and_facilitating_access_.27.aspx

• Attitudinal      
• Communication
• Physical
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• Programmatic
• Social
• Transportation