Franklin County proclaims March 2025 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and hears program report

The Franklin County Commissioners voted unanimously to proclaim March 2025 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and heard a departmental presentation on intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) services delivered by the county MHIDD administrator.

The proclamation, read aloud during the meeting, emphasizes county support for “access to communication, education, employment, housing, and other services” for people with developmental disabilities. MHIDD Administrator Stacy Brookins told commissioners the month is intended “to bring them together, to recognize them, to talk about the accomplishments that they have, to advocate for them,” and invited program participants and families to speak.

Participants described community involvement and the impact of county services. Liana Krogman, who said she lives in Chambersburg and works at the YMCA fitness center, described volunteering, competing for Special Olympics and representing fellow athletes. “I am proud of working at the YMCA, volunteering at church, and competing with my friends in Special Olympics,” she said. Joanne Perry, whose daughter Erin receives county waiver…