The Livingston County Board of Supervisors has declared March "Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month" in

The Livingston County Board of Supervisors has declared March "Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month" in Livingston County.

The Board, in adopting the resolution at its Feb. 8 meeting, "urges the citizens of Livingston County to give full support to efforts towards enabling people with developmental disabilities to live full and productive lives of inclusion in our communities."

The resolution noted that developmental disabilities affect more than 7 million Americans and their families and that public awareness and education can enhance a community's understanding of the issues affecting people with developmental disabilities.

Nationally, March has been designated "Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month" with 100,000 members and 900 chapters of The Arc undertaking public awareness, educational and fundraising initiatives.

The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming serves 982 individuals with developmental disabilities, including 680 who live in Livingston County. Overall, the Arc serves 1,144 people when all of its services are included. These services, such as those at KidStart, may include children who may not have disabilities.

Members of the Board of Supervisors are expected to visit the Hilltop Work Center on March 6 to deliver an official proclamation to the work center floor.

"This is always pretty exciting for the workers," said Jeff Thomas, public relations director for The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming.

In Wyoming County, the Board of Supervisors will adopt a resolution recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month during its March 14 meeting in Warsaw. Arc board members, staff and self advocates are expected to attend the meeting and accept the recognization.

The Arc may have some other activities related to Developmental Disabilities month for its workers and staff.