Inclusion is something many people strive for from a young age and into adulthood. Everyone wants to feel as if they belong somewhere, as if they have purpose and as if others accept them for who they are.

That’s the whole point of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month during March.

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan declared the special designation and urged all Americans to join him “in according to our fellow citizens with such disabilities both encouragement and the opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”

Tuesday night’s March Madness basketball game at Dawson-Bryant High School went a long way in reaching that goal as Tri-State Industries clients and Open Door School students faced off in some intense games against local government officials and those from the media.

The crowd, as they have been in year’s past, cheered with the gusto that would rival any NCAA fan to show support for the teams whose players often get overlooked as members of the community.

The Lawrence County Board of Developmental Disabilities works hard to reinforce the fact that adults and children with disabilities, both mental and physical, are to be celebrated and encouraged just as anyone else and are important members of the community.

Participating at events like this and showing support is a step in the right direction to ensure Lawrence County is a welcoming community for all its residents.