URS Celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan declared March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to encourage understanding and acceptance for people with disabilities.
URS Celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
This year’s theme is “See Me for Me” and encourages looking beyond someone’s disability and seeing them as a person, not a person with a disability. The goal is to create awareness about developmental disabilities, teach the importance of inclusion within every aspect of life, and to share the stories of individuals with a disability to show that a successful life is possible.
Meet Daniel. At 28, Daniel has attended United Rehabilitation Services (URS) Second Shift Vocational Training Program for six years. Staff members helped Daniel identify his interests, strengths, and a variety of work experiences which sparked the desire to work. Through the program, he is developing work skills to prepare him to find a job in the community. Over time he's learned all aspects of floor maintenance, sweeping, mopping, and how to operate an electric floor cleaner.
Daniel's enthusiasm for his work fueled a greater purpose and inspired him to work harder. Purposeful work has resulted in a more positive attitude and taking better care of himself.
After expressing an interest in obtaining a job in the community, Daniel asked to be connected with URS’ Employment Services. He then successfully completed a community-based work assessment at Ace Hardware in Dayton and did so well, he is now participating in Job Development Services to secure a competitive job.
Daniel is a wonderful example of the positive progress that is possible thanks to the commitment URS has made to supporting adults with disabilities on the “path to employment” and achieving greater independence!
About United Rehabilitation Services (URS)
United Rehabilitation Services was founded in 1956 and offers accredited programs for infants, children, adults, and seniors with developmental and acquired disabilities or other special needs including Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, and Alzheimer’s. To learn more, visit www.ursdayton.org.
