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Sedgwick County proclaims Developmental Disability Awareness Month; AbilityPoint and self-advocates speak
Summary
The Sedgwick County Commission declared March 2025 Developmental Disability Awareness Month and heard from AbilityPoint leaders, a parent, and a self-advocate about local services, a WSU Photo Voice Project and long wait lists for supports.
Sedgwick County commissioners on Wednesday adopted a proclamation declaring March 2025 Developmental Disability Awareness Month, recognizing local providers and urging renewed attention to services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Chairman Ryan Beatty read the proclamation and moved its adoption; the motion was approved by roll call. Kevin Fish, executive director of AbilityPoint, thanked the county for ongoing support and noted the work of local providers and advocacy efforts. "This also marks the 30th anniversary of the DD Reform Act," Fish said, noting the county's CDDO leadership role and partnerships with providers and Wichita State University.
A family member who brought his son Chris to the meeting described day-to-day impacts of services and participation in the WSU Photo Voice Project. The parent said Chris "got to participate in that WSU photo voice project last fall" and that through work at Goodwill "he has absolutely regained that" sense of purpose. Commissioners praised the agency's programs and acknowledged long wait lists for services.
The proclamation asks citizens, agencies and private institutions to increase awareness and recommit to accessible services. Commissioners paused to take photographs with AbilityPoint representatives following the proclamation's adoption and thanked volunteers and staff who work with the developmental disability community.
