Lawrence County Early Childhood Center, Open Door School and Tri-State Industries welcome all Lawrence County residents to help celebrate Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month.

March Madness, as the NCAA touts its basketball tournament, also ushers in Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Developmental Disabilities was formerly known as MR/DD. During the month of March, the public can observe DD Awareness displays developed by the Early Childhood Center in South Point at various locations around the county.

On March 1, the Open Door School held a Balloon Launch at 10 a.m. celebrating the month. The Open Door School also had Dr. Seuss Day the entire school day on March 2.

Tri-State Industries will have their annual dance on March 9 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Tri-State Industries Workshop.

Last March, the Open Door School hosted its first ever Science Fair. This event was such a success that a Social Studies Fair will be held this March 11. The time for this event is 1 to 4 p.m. with the awards ceremony at 6 p.m.

Two big DD events occur near the end of the month. First, the annual Chili Fest and Craft show will be held once again at the Dawson-Bryant High School Gym on Saturday, March 20, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Over 20 different chili recipes may be tasted. In addition to the crafts on display, free health information, games, and other activities will be provided.

The DD March Madness Basketball Tournament will be held on Thursday, March 25, 6 to 8:30 p.m., again at the Dawson-Bryant High School Gym. Competitors from Open Door, Tri-State Industries, and the local media will take to the hardwood.

Both the Chili Fest/Craft Show and the DD March Madness Basketball Tournament will feature door prizes available to the public.

Among those prizes will be a chance to win two club seats and parking pass to a 2010 Cincinnati Bengals home game, valued at $285.

This prize package will be offered at both events — two separate Bengal home games. Also, among the door prizes to be offered will be six Cincinnati Reds tickets for future games this season.

Good luck and hope to see all of you at all of the above events.

Finally, the DD food drive and eyeglasses collection will occur at various locations in Lawrence County in March and April.

The statewide theme in 2010 focuses on people’s similarities rather than differences among our population.

The public is encouraged to welcome individuals with disabilities into the community.

Remember, the clients under the Lawrence County Developmental Disabilities Board are “Just Like You.”

Mike Nourse is a retired educator and contributing columnist for The Tribune. He lives in Coal Grove with wife Clara Gail, also a retired educator.