By Edwin C. LeGrand III, Executive Director, Mississippi Department of Mental Health
The Meridian Star
MERIDIAN —
In celebration of March as Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Month, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all Mississippians to learn more about individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Inclusion.” It is important to remember that individuals with IDD deserve the same respect and support as anyone else. The acceptance and understanding of individuals with IDD can make a difference. One of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health’s (DMH) goals is to increase the understanding of ability and decrease the stigma of disability. DMH recently hosted the annual “IDD Day at the Capitol” on March 3 in order to enhance the public’s knowledge and awareness of individuals with IDD and how they actively participate in their communities.
A diagnosis of an intellectual and developmental disability is characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and difficulties with certain daily living skills. The term IDD covers a broad range of disorders and syndromes, many of which are misunderstood by the general public. One in 10 families in the United States has a family member with IDD. In FY 2009, approximately 1,500 children with IDD received early intervention services through DMH. In addition, more than 18,000 adolescents and adults with IDD were served in DMH facilities and community service programs.
With the support of our partners, such as families, self-advocates and service providers, we look forward to a better tomorrow for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
