March DD Awareness Month is just around the corner. While a lot has changed since last DD Awareness Month, our desire to shine a light on people of all abilities has not. The pandemic may keep us from gathering, but it can’t keep us from connecting.
So help us kick off the month with Inclusion Day (3/1) and help us make our community more inclusive for people of every ability by joining our month-long virtual celebrations. See below for ways to celebrate.
A Month-Long Celebration
GET INVOLVED and BE part of THE CHANGE
- 3/1/21 Inclusion Day (details below)
- 2/27/21 – 3/1/21 (MORE) Inclusion Day(s) at the Zoo
- 3/1/21 – 3/31/21: Virtual Appreciation Awards (details below)
- 3/25/21 March Board Meeting
Monday, March 1, 2021 is Inclusion Day – Help us paint the county ORANGE to kick off DD Awareness Month and promote community inclusion.
Inclusion Day was created to be a virtual celebration! It’s all about showing your support and belief in people of every ability. We certainly don’t want to stop that progress now! To help you with your 2021 Inclusion Day celebrations, we’ve brought back our Inclusion Day Kits. Our free kit contains all kinds of fun posters, festive items and great apparel to help show your inclusion pride! Simply fill out our 2021 Inclusion Day Kit Form to reserve your kit today. (Kits must be requested by Monday, February 15, 2021.)
- Request your Inclusion Day Kit (Kits must be requested by 2/15/21)
- Missed out on this year’s Inclusion Day Kit signup? Don’t worry! Get downloadable stickers, posters and profile badges for Inclusion Day.
Remember: Inclusion is about sharing experiences. So don’t forget to share your Inclusion Day pics of you and your school, co-workers or friends (socially-distanced of course) wearing orange and tag us – @SummitDD on Facebook or Twitter. We want to see your inclusion pride! #IncludeME
Saturday, February 27 – Monday, March 1, 2021: Inclusion Day(s) at the Zoo
Forget Zoom – this event can be experienced safely in person. Summit DD has partnered again this year with the Akron Zoo to host Inclusion Day at the Zoo. We are offering FREE admission (just use promo code IncludeMe when reserving your free tickets online) again for Inclusion Day. Due to social distancing guidelines, Zoo capacity will be limited. Tickets must be reserved online. No tickets will be available at the door. Please click for more details about how to register for your FREE tickets (using promo code IncludeMe).
This year we’ve expanded our Inclusion Day at the Zoo celebrations. If you can’t make it on Monday, March 1st, you can also get in free on Saturday, Fe. 27 and Sunday, Feb. 28.
Can’t make it to the Zoo during on Monday? You’re in luck. This year, we’ve extended our Inclusion Day at the Zoo festivities to include the weekend. Grab your ORANGE attire – masks count too! – and head to the Zoo for a FREE day of socially distanced fun and learning. Enjoy all the Akron Zoo has to offer and help us share the message of community inclusion. When some asks why you’re wearing ORANGE, tell them it’s you inclusion pride showing through! Please click for more details about how to register for your FREE tickets (using promo code IncludeMe).
Virtual Appreciation Awards – all month long
This year we are taking our Appreciation Awards virtual. We want to use the entire month to spotlight our local heroes who are making a difference in the lives of those with disabilities. Videos will be posted on our website and social media that highlight the contributions of our inclusion champions. Visit our Facebook page each week and help us share their inspirational stories.
National Disability Awareness Month History
National Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month officially began in 1987 with a proclamation from President Reagan to help bring awareness and acceptance for people of every ability. Since then, families, self-advocates, advocacy groups and Ohio’s County Boards have been working to increase opportunities for people with disabilities. But there’s still more progress to be made.
Get Started!
We are committed to helping people reach their full potential through meaningful connections, but we need your help to make lasting progress. This March, ask yourself if you are doing all you can to make your community welcoming for people of every ability.
- Looking to hire people with disabilities? We can help connect and support your business.
- Want to get involved or volunteer? Check out opportunities with some of our partners.
- Does your organization need help to become more inclusive? Contact us and let us help!
