March has been used to raise awareness for those with developmental disabilities since 1987, after an official proclamation was made by then-President Ronald Reagan.
In the proclamation, President Reagan said, “For many of these people with developmental disabilities there is now the prospect of a brighter future and greater opportunity. Americans are becoming increasingly aware that such disabilities need not keep individuals from realizing their full potential in school, at work or at home, as members of their families and of their communities.”
The CDC considers developmental disabilities as “a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.”
4 Paws for Ability’s service dogs are task trained to mitigate a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act protects the rights of individuals with disabilities to bring their service dog into public places, so that the benefits of a service animal is not limited to the home. Our service dogs break down barriers and provide the brighter future President Reagan spoke of for individuals with developmental disabilities.
4 Paws for Ability is proud to serve those with developmental disabilities, and celebrate them as well, in the month of March. With over ten types of uniquely trained service dogs, 4 Paws for Ability enriches the lives of children and veterans with disabilities by placing life-changing service dogs.