[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 33 (Friday, February 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     OBSERVING NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 17, 2023

  Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to 
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. While those with 
developmental disabilities in Delaware and around the country should be 
seen and heard throughout the year, we need to take this month to learn 
and become more aware of the issues facing these Americans.
  As of last year, 186,592 Delawareans were living with a disability 
and, of those living with a disability, it is estimated that 1.8 
percent, or 3,359 Delawareans, are living with a developmental 
disability. While major strides have been made in making facilities, 
services, and opportunities accessible, Americans with disabilities--
especially those with developmental disabilities--are still 
marginalized.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  February 17, 2023, on page E129, in the third column, the 
following appeared: As of last year, 186,592 Delawareans were 
living with a disability and, of those living with a disability, 
it is estimated that 1.8 percent. or
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: As of last year, 
186,592 Delawareans were living with a disability and, of those 
living with a disability, it is estimated that 1.8 percent, or


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 


  Americans with developmental disabilities face significant 
inequities. According to the Delaware Developmental Disabilities 
Council, Delawareans with developmental disabilities face experience 
higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and pregnancy complications, as well 
as an increased risk of adverse outcomes from COVID-19. People with 
developmental disabilities also face adversity from unconscious and 
conscious biases. And accessibility remains a significant issue that 
requires more attention.
  It is for those reasons that National Developmental Disabilities 
Awareness Month is so important. Since it was first observed in 1987, 
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month has helped spark a 
national conversation about addressing these issues. This March, we 
must recommit to gaining a better understanding of developmental 
disabilities, and to making our country accessible and equitable for 
all.

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