Commissioners issue proclamation; Chilifest set for March 9

The Lawrence County Developmental Disabilities will highlight the accomplishments and contributions of individuals they serve as part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March. 

“President Ronald Regain proclaimed the month of March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in 1987 to raise awareness about developmental disabilities and to advocate for community inclusion”, said Julie Monroe, LCDD superintendent. “While awareness and advocacy are important every day of the year, we plan specific activities during the month of March to facilitate a focus on the many talents and abilities of those in Lawrence County with developmental disabilities.”

The awareness activities were kicked off by the Lawrence County Commissioners designating

March as Developmental Disabilities Month in Lawrence County. 

On Saturday, March 9, the LCDD will host its Annual Chili fest and Craft Show. The event is held at Open Door School in Coal Grove from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and will include an art show with contributions by students at the school, and an accessible egg hunt for all ages. 

“The Chili fest and Craft Show provides a forum where people of various backgrounds and abilities can interact with each other in a fun way,” said Monroe. 

Other activities aimed at increasing DD awareness are planned and will be shared on the LCDD Facebook page.

The LCDD serves over 500 individuals in Lawrence County with developmental disabilities of all ages. This includes children served through Early Intervention, students at Open Door School and those served by a support administrator to receive aid in the home and community. 

“Our mission – to promote advocacy, inclusion and personal growth” – guides everything we do, and we enjoy helping people succeed, and creating opportunities for the community to see how much people can accomplish with the right supports in place,” Monroe said. 

For more information about LCDD, or about the upcoming Chili Fest and Craft Show, please visit the LCDD website at www.lawrencedd.org, or the agency Facebook page. Information may also be obtained by calling the board office at 740-532-7401 between the hours of 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekdays.