The Link

3/7/2013
Capture Marketing

MARCH IS DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH

In March, we celebrate and raise awareness of the positive impact those with developmental disabilities have in our communities throughout Iowa. There are more than 350,000 Iowans who have a disability and many more whose lives have been touched including families, friends and community members. Over the last year, Iowans with Disabilities in Action (ID Action), a project in partnership with the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council, has shared the stories of a few of these Iowans who are making a difference in their communities and on issues that affect their everyday lives.

Rick Samson, a longtime Des Moines resident, is passionate about giving back to the community. He is currently the co-chair of the Citizens’ Disability Council and has served on the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council. As a self-advocate, Rick believes the most important things you can do are “be persistent, be patient, don’t be quiet and keep moving forward.”

Jeremy Beavers from Mason City was instrumental in getting the People First organization up and running in his community. When the state organization was no longer able to continue, he saw the need in his community to keep the organization alive. Through his leadership and determination, it is now an active organization giving back to the community.

Being a self-advocate is an important part of Jeremy’s life and he wants others to understand the opportunity they have to make a difference in their own lives. He recently said that it is important that people with disabilities come together to talk issues that are important to them and figure out “what we can build on as people with disabilities.”

On March 27, ID Action along with Polk County Health Services will be hosting Advocating for Change Day (ACD) at the Iowa State Capitol. ACD is an opportunity for Iowans to take part in a training session to learn how to effectively deliver their message and then talk directly with their elected officials. This is a free event and we encourage anyone that would like to get involved to visit www.idaction.org to learn more about the event and register.

More than ever, Iowans with disabilities are engaging as advocates, a mission of the ID Action project is to help Iowans with disabilities and their families become more involved in the decision-making process that affect their everyday lives. This non-partisan effort exists to encourage Iowans with disabilities, any disability, to get involved. To make their voice heard. To take action on an issue important to them on the local, regional, or state level. How can you help?

* Share your message and ID Action
resources with your friends and family.

* Encourage other Iowans with disabilities
to become involved with ID Action.

* Learn about and apply for ID Action grant
opportunities.

* Host an advocacy training or community
conversation to talk about important
issues.

* Serve on a board or commission in your
community.

* Vote in the local elections. Together,
Iowans affected by disability make up an
important group that can significantly
influence public policies that impact
their everyday lives.

Launched in 2002, ID Action is a non-partisan initiative to encourage Iowans with Disabilities to increase their participation in civic and political opportunities. Nearly 8,000 ID Action registrants are working to make a positive impact across Iowa. For more information on ID Action, please visit www.idaction.org or call 1-866-432-2846.

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(CONTACT: Lane Till (515) 423-0992 Mobile (515) 230-8851l lane@capturemarketinggroup.com)