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Douglas County proclaims March 2025 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Summary
The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution declaring March 2025 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and heard remarks from people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, service providers and county staff about inclusion and local services.
The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners on April 1 unanimously approved a resolution declaring March 2025 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
The proclamation recognizes national Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and notes that Douglas County voters in February 2001 approved a property tax to fund local services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Maureen Waller, special projects manager, presented the resolution and told the board she was “honored to be here today, to present the resolution proclaiming March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.”
The resolution notes that more than 90% of those local levy funds are allocated to Developmental Pathways, the county’s community-centered board, and that 5.5% supports a competitive grant program that has awarded more than $5,000,000 to local organizations serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the proclamation was more than symbolic because the county has directed funding and staff capacity toward services, including recent investments that leaders said improve housing and day-program options for adults with developmental disabilities.
During the public-comment portion of the agenda, several people who identified themselves as service providers or residents with disabilities praised the county and urged more hiring and community education. One resident, Nathan Goodman of Castle Rock, said he had moved into a local supported-living program and hoped for “a little more public education about disabled people and who we are.” Amelia McKeon, chief executive officer of Parker Personal Care Homes, thanked the county for supporting the local “hive” program and the partnerships that help the provider operate.
Chanda McLaren, executive director of Integrated Life Choices, described local day programs and the county grants that helped open them and asked the board to continue investments. Commissioners from across the dais thanked the speakers and emphasized ongoing county partnership with providers, including Developmental Pathways.
Action: Commissioner motioned to approve the proclamation; the board voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.
The board invited members of the developmental-disabilities community for a photo after the vote and moved on to other business.
