Any important cause starts with education and efforts to increase awareness.

The theme of “Just Like You” perfectly exemplifies the message the state and local boards of developmental disabilities tries to instill every day.

Those words are the central focus in March as an emphasis is placed on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

If someone takes the time to meet any of the more than 500 men, women and children the board serves, they will come away better for it and touched by how special these individuals are.

The Lawrence County Board always goes above and beyond to host a variety of events that give the public a chance to see how true this theme really is.

The events start tomorrow with the Open Door School balloon launch at 10 a.m. The joy on the students’ faces is priceless as they watch their versions of messages in a bottle float into the sky and recount the stories of where their balloons have landed in the past.

New events this year include displays throughout the county designed by students and teachers at the Lawrence County Early Childhood Center in South Point, and a Social Studies Fair and Dr. Seuss Day at the Open Door School in Ironton.

The festivities culminate later in the month with the tasty fun of the Chili Fest and Craft Show on March 20 followed up on the 25th with the DD March Madness Basketball Games, a charity event where Open Door School, Tri-State Industries and members of the local media compete.

Take time this March to open your eyes and your mind and you will see that those with disabilities are truly “Just Like You.”