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Rival Gaza protest groups clash at UCLA; IL farmers on costly hold amid legislative foot-dragging; classes help NY psychologists understand disabled people's mental health; NH businesses, educators: anti-LGBTQ bills hurting kids, economy.

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Ukraine receives much-needed U.S. aid, though it's just getting started. Protesting college students are up in arms about pro-Israel stances. And, end-of-life care advocates stand up for minors' gender-affirming care in Montana.

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More rural working-age people are dying young compared to their urban counterparts, the internet was a lifesaver for rural students during the pandemic but the connection has been broken for many, and conservationists believe a new rule governing public lands will protect them for future generations.

March Marks Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

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Monday, March 11, 2013   

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - In 1987, when then-President Ronald Reagan declared March as the first Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, there was little in the way of housing, social help, or employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Since then, much has changed, according to Becky Harker, who is with the Developmental Disabilities Council, with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and workplace acceptance of people with disabilities.

According to Harker, what hasn't changed are the goals of the original declaration.

"People with developmental disabilities, they have the opportunities to live, learn, work and play as valued, contributing members of their communities," she specified.

Harker said March is a time for people to examine how they treat those with developmental disabilities.

"It's an opportunity for communities to really look at how welcoming they are for people with disabilities in terms of employment opportunities and housing options."

Harker said that, over a quarter-century after the first proclamation, school districts are faced with shrinking budgets, and sometimes they complain about special education mandates. Medicaid, which has funded many employment and community-based residential programs, is under fire and the current federal cutbacks threaten other programs that help those with disabilities.

There are some 7 million Americans living with developmental disabilities. Florida Governor Rick Scott recently proposed a $36 million increase in funding for people living with severe disabilities.




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