March is the nationally recognized Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and the barriers they still sometimes face. This month, in partnership with Developmental Pathways, our affiliate at Access Gallery created a #DDAwareness campaign with the theme “I am …” to highlight that a person is more than their disability.
What’s a word that defines who you are? See how you can make your own poster and other ways to get involved with this campaign below.
How to make your own “I am …” poster:
Step #1: Print your poster and a photo of yourself in black and white.
Poster size – 11″ x 17″ – color
Photo of you – 5″ x 5″ – black & white
Search for a FedEx, UPS, or other print services store near you – print on cardstock.
Supplies you will need: Scissors, glue, black permanent marker
Step #2: Cut out your photo.
Cut around your face and body. You can use a photo facing the camera or a profile photo of yourself from the shoulders up. We recommend using a black & white photo for maximum contrast with the bright colors of the poster.
Step #3: Glue your photo.
Glue your photo in the upper left green square, it can stick out above the square.
Step #4: Write your word and draw an icon.
Using black permanent marker, write a word that describes you in the upper right purple square and draw an icon or illustration that represents you and your word in the yellow square.
Step #5: Take a photo and email us.
Take a photo of yourself holding your poster and email it to COEvents@dpcolo.org and info@accessgallery.org.
Step #6: Post on social media and tag us.
Post your photo on Facebook and tag @developmentalpathways and @accessgalleryco with the hashtags #DDAwareness #IAmMore.
Find a Billboard and take a picture!
There are 10 billboards across the Denver Metro area featuring an individual with a disability sharing who they are. Exact locations are listed below, or you can click here for a PDF.
- Golden – 16050 S Golden – Facing East
- Aurora – 94 S Havana – Facing North
- East Colfax – 7404 E Colfax – Facing West
- Park Hill – 5101 E 48th – Facing East
- Englewood – 1667 W Evans – Facing West
- Denver – 4225 E 48th – Facing West
- Denver – 4985 N Colorado – Facing South
- Elyria-Swansea – 5090 Race Court – Facing West
- Denver – 450 E 51st – Facing East
- Denver – 4700 Washington St – Facing South
Use a Zoom Background
Download a Zoom background and use it during your meetings – it’s a great conversation starter!
Share on Social Media
Facebook Sample Message:
March is the Nationally recognized month raising awareness about individuals diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
@DevelopmentalPathways and @AccessGalleryCO created a campaign with the theme “I am…” to highlight that a person is more than their diagnosis. What’s a word that defines who you are?
#DDAwareness #COIDD #IAmMore #DPxAG
Twitter Sample Message:
March is the national month of raising awareness about individuals diagnosed with IDD. @dev_pathways & @AccessGalleryCO created the “I am…” campaign, to highlight that a person is more than their diagnosis. What word defines you?
#DDAwareness #COIDD #IAmMore #DPxAG
More information on this campaign can be found on Developmental Pathways website.
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