CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.- The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed March to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Franklin County. In doing so, they are drawing attention to the unlimited potential possessed by all residents – including those with developmental disabilities – to live, work and thrive in Franklin County.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month highlights the importance of including people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life. It is also a time to raise awareness of the barriers these individuals sometimes face and to ensure they receive the necessary supports to be successful, productive and independent members of their communities.
“Individuals with developmental disabilities are treasured members of society, yet they often face obstacles in accessing education, employment, housing and public accommodations that the rest of us may never encounter,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “It’s up to all of us to help them achieve their highest potential; doing so only makes our communities that much stronger.”
By recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the commissioners demonstrated their support for persons with developmental disabilities and heralded their value as residents who contribute to the high quality of life in Franklin County.
Locally, the Franklin/Fulton Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities program provides support to individuals and their families and values what is important to them so they can live everyday lives. There are currently 661 individuals in Franklin and Fulton counties who are registered with the program, of which:
- 70 have competitive employment;
- 33 reside in Lifesharing homes;
- 112 live in chapter 6400 community homes;
- 516 reside independently with family;
- 127 are under age 21 and are supported through their insurance; and
- 140 utilize community participation supports either through a licensed day service family or in the community
For more information on the Franklin/Fulton Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities program, call 717-264-5387 or visit www.franklincountypa.gov.
