fact
A developmental disability is a set of symptoms that result from impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavioral areas. These symptoms begin during development, affect daily life, and usually last a lifetime. According to the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, about 1 in 6 children in the United States has one or more developmental disabilities or other developmental delays. Most developmental disabilities begin before a baby is born, but some occur after birth due to injury, infection, or other factors.
Developmental disabilities are found across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Recent estimates in the United States suggest that approximately 1 in 6 children between the ages of 3 and 17, or about 17 percent, have one or more developmental disabilities.
Many people with developmental disabilities participate in the social, economic and civic life of Fairfax County, and their contributions are invaluable to our community. The National Council on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) encourages everyone to celebrate and highlight the great work being done across the country to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. NACDD encourages you to use the hashtags #DDawareness2024, #DDAM2024, @AWorldofOpportunities or #NewOpportunities on social media to share how you are raising awareness and making a difference.
March 2024 Developmental Disability Inclusion Month Declaration
Chairman Jeff McKay read a proclamation on behalf of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, announcing March as Developmental Disabilities Inclusion Month.
resource
Visit the Department of Family Services for information on disability rights and resources.
Subscribe to the DFS Access Fairfax e-newsletter, news for people with disabilities and people who care for and about people with disabilities.
For information about services that help people with developmental disabilities live, work and participate in the community, visit the Fairfax Falls Church Community Services Committee.
Contact Neighborhood and Community Services for more information about therapeutic recreation services for children and adults with disabilities.
Visit The Arc of Northern Virginia, a facility for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
For media inquiries, please contact Amy Carlini, Public Information Officer for the Department of Family Services, via email, office phone at 703-324-7758 or cell phone at 571-355-6672.
Back to Top