Celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Lindsay Vanderbilt • March 6, 2020
Message From the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities
Each March, we take time to recognize Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month. This is an opportunity to raise awareness of the integral role people with developmental disabilities play in our society, and to work to further the cause of inclusion. More than 400,000 Texans are diagnosed with a developmental disability, and it is vital we continue to work together to make our state more inclusive and accessible for our fellow Texans.
Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation recognizing
DD Awareness Month, noting, "people with developmental disabilities have unique abilities and experiences that contribute to our state's rich diversity and heritage, just like all Texans [and Texas] is a stronger place when people of all abilities are included in community life." Study after study has shown how when you design for disability — you design for all. This can involve including people with disabilities in the general workforce and providing them with greater economic opportunity, through including students with developmental disabilities in the classroom with their non-disabled peers and increasing their chances to achieve their full academic potential, or simply enabling people with developmental disabilities to live in the greater community.
One easy suggestion for fostering inclusive communities is to pay attention to the words we use when talking with and about other people. Spread the Word
(previously Spread the Word to End the Word) is celebrated on March 4th, and asks people to pledge to not use the r-word. Now in its eleventh year, Spread the Word asks everyone to pledge to spread the word about inclusion — by creating socially inclusive places to learn, work, and live we can remind everyone that people with developmental disabilities are valued members of society.
Language is powerful, so it is important to be respectful and thoughtful whether you're talking to your neighbor or posting on social media. People First Language
puts the person before the disability — instead of saying "a disabled person" you say "a person with a disability." When in doubt, ask the person how they prefer to be identified! Be sure to take the Pledge for Inclusion
and help spread the word about Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
See the Governor's Proclamation - https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/organization/disabilities/2020-Developmental-Disabilities-Awareness-Month.pdf
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Cornejo as the new Director of the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA). In this role, Cornejo will lead efforts to develop and coordinate services that support the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults across ETCOG’s fourteen-county region. Cornejo brings a strong background in healthcare leadership and military service. He most recently worked as an Account Manager for Humana’s Institutional Special Needs Plan program, where he partnered with skilled nursing facilities to improve care coordination, leading to a 20% reduction in hospital readmissions. Earlier in his career, Cornejo served in the United States Navy for nearly two decades, rising to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer and managing budgets exceeding $550 million while leading more than 350 Sailors and Marines. “Adrian’s leadership experience in both healthcare and the military has equipped him with the skills and dedication needed to serve East Texas seniors,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “His background in building partnerships and his deep commitment to public service make him a tremendous asset to our team.” Cornejo shared his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “It is an honor to join ETCOG and to serve the seniors of East Texas. My goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place at the Area Agency on Aging and continue to expand access to services that help older adults and their families live with dignity and independence.” The AAA is administered through ETCOG and is part of a nationwide network created through the Older Americans Act of 1965. It provides a wide range of services, including information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education, senior nutrition programs, housing repair, caregiver support, and Ombudsman advocacy for individuals in long-term care facilities. These programs are designed to help older residents remain active and independent in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Medicare Open Enrollment is right around the corner, and with so many plans and choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our certified benefits counselors are here to help—whether you prefer to sit down one-on-one or schedule an educational session for your group or organization. They provide clear, unbiased information about Medicare so you can make informed decisions that fit your needs. These services are free and available to individuals, families, churches, senior centers, civic clubs, and other local groups. If you or someone you know has questions about Medicare coverage, upcoming changes, or available plans, now is the time to reach out. To schedule an appointment or request a group presentation, contact us at 1-800-442-8845 or www.easttexasaaa.org/request-speaker .
