COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PROCLAMATION
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH March 2022

WHEREAS, people with a developmental disability are of all racial, ethnic, educational, social, and economic backgrounds, and all are valued members of society who find fulfillment living everyday lives; and

WHEREAS, we value and support what is important to people with disabilities and their families who are striving for everyday lives no different than those of all other citizens; and

WHEREAS, we acknowledge the unique support needs of those with disabilities and have prioritized the role those supports play in an individual’s life to allow individuals to maintain those supports in both crisis and everyday living situations; and

WHEREAS, I signed an executive order to increase integrated employment opportunities among people with disabilities in Pennsylvania because I recognize that individuals with disabilities have the capacity to positively contribute to the development of Pennsylvania’s economy; and

WHEREAS, my administration and the Department of Human Services launched the Supporting Families Initiative, which provides grants to regional collaboratives to encourage families of individuals with developmental disabilities or autism to have high expectations for full and purposeful lives that include meaningful jobs in the community, friendships, health, safety, and spiritual and social opportunities; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Human Services continues to increase opportunities for competitive, integrated employment across the commonwealth for those with developmental disabilities who wish to work; and

WHEREAS, educational opportunities for those with developmental disabilities have increased with the implementation of inclusive secondary education certificate programs at Pennsylvania institutions of higher learning; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Human Services continues to offer opportunities to individuals and family members through a growing complement of training initiatives and services that allow them to increase their knowledge about advocacy, supports, and the availability of disability services; and
WHEREAS, early intervention, education, employment, and home and community-based services continue to be vital to enabling citizens with a developmental disability to enjoy the rights of citizenship and to participate in the life of Pennsylvania’s communities.

THEREFORE, I, Tom Wolf, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim March 2022 as DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH to recognize the many accomplishments and contributions of people with a developmental disability. I encourage all citizens to support Pennsylvanians with a developmental disability and their families in all aspects of Pennsylvania community life.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, this first day of March two thousand twenty-two, the year of the commonwealth the two hundred forty-sixth.

TOM WOLF
Governor