Developmental Diversity
What is Developmental Diversity?
Developmental Diversity is a new way for our community to view people with developmental disabilities. It inspires us to focus on the diversity individuals with developmental disabilities bring to all areas of life, including the workplace. Every person develops differently and has unique abilities. We believe our workplaces are greatly enriched when we recognize and celebrate these differences as diversity.
What is a developmental disability?
- a diverse group of lifelong physical, cognitive, and sensory conditions that occur before the age of 18. Among the more common are cognitive impairments, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and Down syndrome
- a natural characteristic of being human
- a unique form of diversity that broadens understanding and enriches lives
People with developmental disabilities:
- are much more similar to you than different
- have strengths and weaknesses, just like you
- have the right to respect, dignity, self-determination and real choices that comes from meaningful and gainful employment in the community
When citizens with developmental disabilities work, they:
- become valued employees
- increase the success of your business
- increase the positive image of your business with customers
- bring stability to businesses because of their loyalty and reliability
- move from government subsidy to fully participating members of our community
- pay taxes and contribute to their own living expenses
People with developmental disabilities want to work!