In 1987, President Reagan designated March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to raise public awareness about the needs and capabilities of Americans with developmental disabilities, and to promote the support and opportunities necessary for them to lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential.
Each March, organizations such as, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) and National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), unite to bring awareness to the public to highlight the importance of inclusion and rights for all, regardless of abilities.
Sources: https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/press/march-is-developmental-disabilities-awareness-month/
https://nacdd.org/ddam1/
Here are 5 books to add to your child’s library!
“The aim of this story is to ensure all kids understand that kids with disability are just like kids everywhere. They love playing games, books, making stuff and being silly. They have things they are good at and things they need to work on. And just like kids everywhere they want to feel safe, loved and included.
This book provides the reader with ways they can be more inclusive in their play and encourages the celebration of diversity in all its unique and wonderful forms. Children will come away with a growing understanding that people everywhere have differing abilities, and this only makes the world a more colorful, exciting, diverse and amazing place.”
“This is the story of Gracie, your everyday fun-loving kid who does everything that you do, but has trouble hearing. It’s as if her ears are sleeping! Can anyone or anything wake up Gracie’s ears? Based on a true story. Told in rhyme, this uplifting story with gentle illustrations is based on a real little girl who doesn’t realize her ears aren’t working like most people’s do.
When her family searches for answers, she discovers the wonder of hearing aids and the sounds of the world. Gracie’s Ears introduces what hearing aids are to young children needing help to hear and to their friends who wonder – what are those things in their friend’s ears and what do they do?”
“A story to help understanding a neurodivergent brain. Created and inspired by my daughters ADHD diagnosis, I wanted to gift her a book that help explained her brain’s processes and needs. No big words or acronyms that result in ‘what does that mean’ and bring the child out of the story.
“Brains are just like cars, they all drive round and round a track, picking up information and then bringing it back. Some brains are Race Cars that like to drive extra fast. Sometimes though, they forget to sop and fully complete a task.’ But driving cars fast all the time and not servicing or maintaining them leads to overheating and burnout. We can apply that same logic to our brains.”
“This story is meant to bring greater awareness about ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). My son Josiah was diagnosed with ADHD at the young age of 3. I see so many powerful things in him that ADHD only enhances for the better.
I want children with ADHD to recognize the superpower they possess that can be used for things far greater than they ever imagined. ADHD does not have power over you, you have power over ADHD!”
“This picture book is dedicated to children diagnosed with cerebral palsy, also known as CP. Explore the day in the life of a young boy and his friends with cerebral palsy through bright, colorful illustrations and text. Perfect for teachers, parents and children alike, this book will bring awareness of the condition and teach children how to be supportive and be kind.
This picture book is aimed for children between the ages of 3-8 years old. This book is inspired by Louie George Wood.”
