LEONARDTOWN, Md. — During the March 4 meeting, the St. Mary’s County Commissioners officially announced the start of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2025.
The annual campaign, launched in 1987 during the Reagan administration, aims to highlight how people with and without disabilities come together to form strong communities, according to the Administration for Community Living (ACL).
In a public statement, the commissioners affirmed their commitment to inclusivity, stating, “We affirm their inherent value and worth and foster a community culture where every individual is recognized for their unique contributions and empowered to thrive.”
Several advocates and community professionals attended the announcement, including Catherine Pratson, director of the St. Mary’s County Department of Human Resources and a member of the Commission for People with Disabilities. Speaking about the commission’s mission, Pratson stated, “We work to become educated and to educate the public on all the resources available in St. Mary’s County for persons with disabilities.” She also emphasized the commission’s dedication to ensuring equal access to community opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The Commission for People with Disabilities meets on the third Thursday of every other month. Their next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, at 4 p.m. in Room 14 of the Potomac Building (23115 Leonard Hall Dr., Leonardtown, Md. 20650).
Over the past half-century, efforts to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have led to significant progress. In 1977, 84% of people with such disabilities lived in institutional settings—today, that figure has dropped to less than 8% (ACL).
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month has played a role in this shift by driving engagement, advocacy, and policy change. Now in its 38th year, the initiative continues to raise awareness and promote inclusion.
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