Klamath County proclaims March 2025 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

The Klamath County Board of Commissioners on March 4 proclaimed March 2025 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, asking public and private institutions to recognize and support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The proclamation, read during the board's regular meeting, affirmed that disability is a natural part of the human experience and called for policies and practices that promote inclusion and equal opportunity. The board signed the proclamation and commissioners present voiced support before the item closed.

The proclamation text emphasized that public attitudes can be the “biggest barrier” to full community integration, and it urged recognition of individuals’ strengths and contributions. A representative from local DD services thanked the board for continued support and noted historical progress since President Ronald Reagan issued the first national proclamation in 1987. The representative also encouraged community members to wear orange in March, the official color of DD Awareness Month.

The item was presented as a ceremonial proclamation; no fiscal impact or binding policy change was recorded during the meeting. Commissioners in the room at the time were Commissioner Minty (chair) and Commissioner Nichols; Commissioner de Groot was noted as working outside the office and did not participate in person.

The proclamation closes a short ceremonial segment of the agenda; the board moved on to routine business after signing the document.