Bowser Administration Launches Districtwide Celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

WASHINGTON, DC - The Bowser Administration has proclaimed March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) in Washington, DC, calling on residents to recognize and celebrate the talents, leadership, and achievements of people with developmental disabilities and to reaffirm the District's commitment to building a city where everyone belongs and everyone can thrive.

The District Department on Disability Services (DDS), in partnership with the Office of Disability Rights, the Developmental Disabilities Council, and community advocates, will host a series of in-person and virtual events highlighting disability rights, inclusive employment, self-advocacy, and community leadership. The month-long celebration culminates on March 26 with the Advocate for Equity Awards Ceremony. This event honors individuals and businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing disability rights, promoting inclusion, and expanding equitable access to opportunity across the District. The program takes place March 26, 3 - 5 pm at the DC Department on Disability Services, 250 E Street, SW

"Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a time to honor the dignity, talent, and contributions of people with developmental disabilities," said Andrew Reese, Director of the District Department on Disability Services. "We remain focused on strengthening services, expanding access to opportunity, and ensuring residents with disabilities have access to the supports and opportunities they need to live full, self-directed lives as contributing members of communities and workplaces throughout our city."

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month was first designated in 1987 through a presidential proclamation encouraging communities nationwide to provide people with developmental disabilities opportunities and supports needed to thrive. In the District, this commitment has led to significant progress, including:

• The District's successful exit from the 40-year class action lawsuit Evans v. Bowser in 2017.
• The 2022 groundbreaking and 2024 opening of the Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center, a $40 million investment in Ward 7.
• Expansion of DDS services to include people with developmental disabilities, beyond its earlier focus on intellectual disabilities in 2022.
• Continued efforts to hire people with disabilities at all levels of District government.

In FY 2025, DDS served more than 2,500 residents through its Developmental Disabilities Administration. The agency's Rehabilitation Services Administration supported more than 5,300 residents, with more than 250 individuals securing employment in high-demand fields such as hospitality, transportation, and healthcare.

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Mayoral Proclamation
A complete list of events is available at https://ddc.dc.gov/node/1768876