Fulton County proclaims March 2026 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month; advocates meet with commissioners

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners approved a proclamation declaring March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month at its Feb. 24 meeting and met with local disability services representatives for the signing.

Human Services Director Julie Dovey and a coalition of MD/IDD/EI representatives — including Marissa Hockenberry of Occupational Services Inc., Erica Ramsey of CRI, Rebecca Weaver (Franklin/Fulton IDD Program Specialist), staff from Full Circle Residence, Lupey Behavioral Services, and multiple representatives from The Arc of Franklin/Fulton Counties — attended for the proclamation and a group photo. The board recorded the proclamation language as: "March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and do commend this observance to all of our citizens and recognize that Fulton County becomes a better place when people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities, and knowing we are all One World, many Abilities!."

At the same meeting, Julie Dovey, Franklin/Fulton Family Partnership HRSA Project Director Beth Bryant, and Franklin/Fulton Drug & Alcohol Recovery Specialist Joe Bailey also met with commissioners to discuss possible initiatives for opioid reduction. The minutes record discussion of potential program approaches and collaboration; no formal funding decision or motion related to opioid reduction was recorded.

The proclamation is ceremonial and recognizes county partnerships with local human services organizations; the minutes do not record a follow-up directive or additional appropriation connected to the proclamation.