CHAMBERSBURG – 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, county officials noted. It is also a time to raise awareness of the barriers these individuals sometimes face within their own communities.
By recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the commissioners demonstrated their support for individuals with developmental disabilities as valuable members of Franklin County communities.
“We encourage all of our residents to support those with developmental disabilities and their families however they can,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “It’s important that we help these individuals be successful, productive and independent members of our community, not just during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month but all year long.”
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 597 individuals in Franklin and Fulton counties who are registered with the program. Of those individuals:
- 58 have competitive, integrated employment;
- 82 participate in small group employment;
- 131 utilize community participation supports either through a licensed day service family or in the community;
- 140 use residential support programs such as Lifesharing, community homes or an apartment program;
- 457 live independently or with family; and
- 95 are under the age of 21 and are supported through their insurance
For more information on the Franklin/Fulton Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities program, readers may call 717-264-5387 or visit www.franklincountypa.gov.
