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Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons; Israel planted explosives in pagers sold to Hezbollah according to official sources; Serving looks with books: Libraries fight 'fast fashion' by lending clothes; Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries.

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JD Vance calls for toning down political rhetoric, while calls for his resignation grow because of his own comments. The Secret Service again faces intense criticism, and a right to IVF is again voted down in the US Senate.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Beauty Highlighted During Disabilities Awareness Month

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Monday, March 7, 2016   

OZARK, Missouri - In 1987 President Ronald Reagan declared March Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, calling on Americans to provide the "encouragement and opportunities" necessary for people with developmental disabilities to reach their potential.

Jan Jones is director of Abilities First, which works to break down some of the barriers the developmentally disabled face in everyday life. She says society has come a long way when it comes to acceptance.

"Just because I may be better at one thing and not as good at something else doesn't define who I am, either positive or negatively," says Jones. "It's just who I am."

Jones says there are still things that need to be done to advance opportunities for people with disabilities, including removing labels and the offensive "R" word from our language.

Jones says young people are key to promoting acceptance. Her 17-year-old daughter, Mallory, has organized what's called an "Inspired Fashion Show" as a high school project.

Mallory says it's important to remember people are just people, no matter what they look like.

"There are too many situations in which I have experienced some of my peers just saying to me. 'Mal, I don't know how you do it,' and I say, 'Do what?' and they say, 'I don't know how to interact with them,' 'them' being people with developmental disabilities."

She says she's seen too much bullying and oppression, and says it upsets her to see how some people will treat others, because they are perceived to be different.

Mallory says those participating in the fashion show probably never imagined they'd get to walk the runway like a supermodel.

"It's addicting, the feeling that you get from being in this environment," she says. "And feeling like you can be you, and not have to worry about being judged by anybody," says Mallory. "It's just amazing. It's like you're on the top of the world."

The Inspired Fashion Show is being held March 18 at Ozark High School.


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