Did you Know?

March is Disability Awareness Month!

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) launches DD Awareness Month each March. This year's theme is "Beyond the Conversation."

The campaign seeks to "raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life and understanding of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live."

Edwards Center

Striving for

Inclusion & Connection

At Edwards, we work hard to secure inclusion and connection–ensuring everybody has the same opportunities to participate in every aspect of life to the best of their abilities and desires.

To truly encourage diversity and embody inclusivity, we strive to turn good intentions into proactive behaviors. We remind ourselves not to assume what is or isn't possible and challenge our thinking.

Our community, with just a little help can:
• live independently
• learn and adapt
• socialize and communicate
• work in fulfilling jobs
• give back to the community that supports them
• color the world in a more diverse way!

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), March 21, is a global awareness day that the United Nations has officially observed since 2012.

On WDSD, we encourage people worldwide to speak up to create a single global voice. Together we advocate for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down syndrome and other disabilities.

This year's theme, "With Us Not For Us," call us to recognize the gifts of those with Down Syndrome and support them in all areas of their lives, but to allow them to make their own decisions and life direction.

The team at Down Syndrome International has identified the areas of strength for those with Down Syndrome:

Strong visual awareness and visual learning skills
Ability to learn and use sign, gesture, and visual support
Ability to learn and use the written word
Ability to learn from pictorial, concrete & practical materials
Keen to communicate and socialize with others
Tendency to model behavior and attitudes from peers and adults.

At Edwards, we're "With Them!

Part of the Community

Be an Ally

The CDC reports that "disability affects nearly 1 in 4 (26%) adults in the United States. Including people with disabilities in everyday activities and creating accessible environments and equitable opportunities that support them in holding roles similar to their peers who do not have a disability is disability inclusion." They encourage you to "take steps to learn how you can increase disability inclusion and accessibility for all to improve the health, well-being, and participation of people with disabilities in your community." Be a disability ally!

While you check it out, have you considered joining our Giving Circle, our group of dedicated monthly giving donors? Your monthly gift helps guarantee the success and growth of Edwards Center by funding projects, expanding our programs, and creating memorable experiences for our participants & residents.

When you make any gift to Edwards Center (of any amount or frequency), you are changing the lives of more than 300+ adults with developmental disabilities.

Visit our Website to Learn More!

Download Editable PDF Donation Form

Bowling Tournament Update

Let the Goodtimes Roll!

We're looking forward to seeing everyone who registered!

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4375 SW Edwards Pl
Aloha, OR | 97078-2116 US

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