MANSFIELD — Richland Newhope is celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March and asks everyone to focus on peoples’ abilities and similarities rather than their differences.
Statewide, and across the nation, organizations devoted to serving individuals with developmental disabilities are holding special events in March to raise public awareness of the many abilities people have, regardless of disability.
This year’s theme is ‘What’s Your Story?’ It encourages everyone to get to know someone with a disability to better understand that we are all connected and alike in many ways.
“It’s important to recognize that all of us have talents and strengths to make our communities a better place to live,” said Richland Newhope Director of Community Relations Jane Imbody. “Richland Newhope supports and encourages community-based opportunities for employment, housing, and recreation that more fully integrate people with disabilities in Richland County.”
Richland Newhope kicked off its recognition of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month during the March 1 regular meeting of the Richland County commissioners. Among those speaking during the kickoff were Sally Stigall and her daughter, Jenna. In 2015 Jenna, who uses a wheelchair, advocated for improved accessibility at branches of Mechanics Bank. As a result, the bank took steps to install automatic doors and lower some counters.
Several individuals who receive Newhope services as well as staff also attended the kickoff. A proclamation presented by the commissioners is one of 10 to be issued by local communities through the month.
Other activities planned for March include: the 23rd annual Richland County Third Grade Coloring Contest Awards Luncheon on March 4 at Richland Newhope’s Early Childhood Center; the 6th annual “Bringing the Elements Together Art & Talent Show” at the Richland Mall on March 11; the 15th Annual Community Awareness Day on March 17 at Richland Newhope Industries, Inc. (RNI) and several other locations around Mansfield.
There will also be a Richland Newhope Dance Troupe Recital at the Renaissance Theatre on March 31; displays at the main branch of the Mansfield-Richland County Public Library, the Richland Mall, and Grace Episcopal Church; a message on the electronic sign at Richland Public Health; five billboards; and the distribution of more than 5,000 pamphlets to 62 Richland County churches.
Richland Newhope has also debuted two new awareness videos on its YouTube channel.
In 2015, Richland Newhope (Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities) supported more than 1,800 individuals through early intervention, preschool, adult, residential, therapy, transportation and other family support programs.
