The smiles are the same. The moments of joy are the same. The times of sadness are the same. And so are all the other emotions we share with the men, women and children some perceive to be different.

The hundreds served by the Lawrence County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities are “just like you,” hence the reason this was chosen for the statewide theme for March’s MR/DD Awareness Month.

Each year the local agency goes above and beyond to show the community that the individuals it serves are just that — individual — but are truly no different in the ways that truly matter.

From the annual balloon launch, to the Dr. Seuss celebration at the Lawrence County Early Childhood Center to the Chili Fest to the annual charity basketball game against area media members, these events are all worthwhile and mean a lot to the individuals the board serves.

But each of these experiences could be life changing for anyone who wants to open their eyes, their minds and their hearts.

The board does a tremendous job of offering a seamless progression for those with disabilities that starts at the Early Childhood Center, moves to the Open Door School and then culminates with being productive employees at Tri-State Industries Inc.

We hope everyone in the community takes a few moments this March to open their eyes and truly look at individuals with disabilities. We are confident that you will see that these Lawrence Countians truly are just like you.