Last week, the city of Cortez and town of Mancos both passed proclamations declaring next March to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

The proclamations were issued at respective council and board meetings, with both governing bodies taking the time to honor a few local nonprofits that serve Montezuma County’s disabled community.

“March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month, and public awareness and education enhances a community’s understanding of its members living with an intellectual or developmental disability,” Cortez Mayor Karen Sheek read aloud from the proclamation at the city’s regular meeting on March 26. The Mancos meeting happened the following day.

Both proclamations noted that over 7 million people in the United States live with an intellectual or developmental disability, such as cerebral palsy, autism and Down syndrome.

“People with IDD incur their disabilities during the developmental period, or before the age of 22, and most people with IDD need supports of some kind throughout their entire lifespan,” the proclamations read.

In Colorado, an estimated 56,800 to 113,600 people live with an intellectual or developmental disability, according to the proclamations.

The council and board members recognized local organizations Community Connections and The Arc of Southwest Colorado for supporting county residents living with a disability.

Community Connections provides comprehensive supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southwest Colorado. The nonprofit is headquartered in Durango but also operates out of two Cortez sites, one along South Harrison Street and another along South Pine Street. It currently serves 92 children and adults in Montezuma County, according to the proclamations.

The Arc is in Durango and also provides a range of supports for the local disabled community. It serves 14 children in the county, according to the two proclamations.

“Both organizations believe that individuals living with a developmental disability deserve to have the same opportunities – to live, love, learn, work and play in their communities – with the dignity, choices, and responsibilities accorded to all citizens,” the two proclamations say.

Parents and staff involved with Community Connections showed up to both the Cortez and Mancos meetings to voice support for the organization.

Cynthia Sadler, a Community Connections board member, thanked the city of Cortez for its support. Her 27-year-old daughter had been in the organization for three years, she said.

“She’s benefited tremendously in Community Connections,” Sadler said.

ealvero@the-journal.com