DMH is Celebrating Mississippians with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The Department of Mental Health and the Bureau of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (BIDD) Advisory Council, comprised of service providers and advocacy organizations, are launching an awareness campaign in recognition of March as Intellectual and Developmental Disability Awareness Month. The campaign, titled “Celebrating Mississippians with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities,” is the first of its kind for Mississippi, and highlights the connection between people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their communities.

Throughout the month of March, Celebrating Mississippians with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities will begin rolling out videos, stories, posters, and information graphics about people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are embracing choices and enriching their lives through employment, home ownership, entrepreneurship, physical fitness, and a variety of other methods. Celebrating Mississippians with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities promotes awareness about IDD and illustrates that people with disabilities have the ability to contribute significantly to their schools, families, relationships, neighborhoods, faith communities, and the workforce, and they have the right to work, worship, learn, and enjoy life wherever they choose.

It is the intention of organizers to build on the campaign and continue to celebrate the lives of these Mississippi residents for years to come.

As the campaign launches, DMH is sharing stories of people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities – not the challenges they face, but the successes they have experienced.