Governor Pat McCrory declared March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in North Carolina. Read the text of the the proclamation here:

WHEREAS, Public Law 99 - 483, enacted by Congress in 1987, designated the month of March as "National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month"; and

WHEREAS, approximately 185,000 residents of North Carolina have intellectual or other developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, North Carolinians are becoming increasingly aware that developmental disabilities do not keep individuals from realizing their full potential at school, work, home, or as members of their communities; and

WHEREAS, developmental disabilities awareness encourages people to understand that when people with disabilities are welcomed into local neighborhoods, houses of worship and schools, and are expected to work and have careers, everyone wins; and

WHEREAS, the most effective way to change the attitudes and beliefs about the abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities is through everyone's work and active participation in community activities and the openness to learn and acknowledge each individual's contribution; and

WHEREAS, opportunities for citizens with developmental disabilities to function as independently and productively as possible must be fostered in all areas of our state and local communities, including public and private sectors; and

WHEREAS, all citizens should promote both the expectations and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to participate fully in our community that include access to integrated employment, education, housing and civic engagement;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAT McCRORY, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim March 2016, as "DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH" in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this sixteenth day of February in the year of our Lord two thousand and sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.

PAT McCRORY
Governor