Oregon Celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

The Awards ceremony and dedication takes place Monday, March 12th, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM at the Barbara Roberts Human Services Building, 500 Summer St. NE in Salem.

David Beem is probably Salem's most well known activist in the area of developmantal disabilities Photo by: Tim King

(SALEM) - Oregon's governor has proclaimed March 2007 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. In recognition of the designation, the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities is sponsoring a March 12th event that brings together advocates, providers, consumers, policymakers and public employees to celebrate this year's theme, "Every child deserves a family home."

DHS Director Bruce Goldberg, M.D., will read the proclamation and present this year's Developmental Disability Champion Awards to a policymaker and an advocate who have increased awareness and advocated on behalf of people with disabilities and their families.

The ceremony also will include the unveiling of a newly refurbished sculpture by renowned Oregon artist Tom Hardy. The sculpture, which originally sat on the grounds of Fairview Training Center, will be placed on permanent display in the lobby of the Barbara Robert Human Services Building.

Approximately 54,000 Oregonians have a developmental disability, including an estimated 12,000 children under age 18. More than 750 children with developmental disabilities currently live outside their family home.