Each year in March, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month focuses increased awareness on the needs of those with developmental disabilities.

A developmental disability is a condition usually diagnosed during a child's development and before adulthood.

Developmental disabilities impair several areas of development such as physical, learning, language, or behavior.
In 1987, President Reagan recognized March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to increase “public awareness of the needs and the potential of Americans with developmental disabilities” and to provide the “encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”

On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) was signed into law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the public.

Volunteer firefighters often work with patients with developmental disabilities. We often provide specialized fire safety training and awareness programs tailored to their needs including simplified instructions, visual aids, repetitive practice to ensure understanding. Firefighters must use clear simple language.

Unless the condition or disability clearly (physically or mentally) prevents you from carrying out your duties as a firefighter, you will be considered. We recognize when it comes to medical conditions, all cases are individual. Some fire departments have included developmentally disabled individuals as volunteers allowing them to participate in non-emergency activities like station chores, station tours, packing hose, washing apparatus, fundraising or assisting at community events. Patience and positive reinforcement are a must to effectively convey information.

“Teacher of Patience” is a documentary that shows the importance of patience and acceptance for people with disabilities. The documentary also highlights the challenges and joys of raising a child with a disability. It tells the story of paramedic Tom Felter and his daughter Emily, who has Down syndrome. Felter uses his personal experience to help educate first responders about how to interact with individuals with disabilities.