Disability Rights of West Virginia

10/10/2026

World Mental Health Day on October 10 raises annual awareness and mobilizes efforts to support mental health. The stigma for mental health issues is slowly going away. Mental health issues are finally getting the attention they deserve. Healthcare workers and individuals feel they can discuss mental health more openly. However, that doesn't mean there isn't still work to do, however.

As a whole, we often misunderstand mental health because it is hard to define. Additionally, mental health includes several areas. These areas involve one's social, emotional, and psychological well-being. Mental health affects thoughts, feelings, and actions. When we have positive mental health, we handle stress better, our productivity remains stable, and we realize our full potential.

Follow the link to learn more.

World Mental Health Day on October 10 raises annual awareness and mobilizes efforts to support mental health.

10/08/2026

During October, National Dwarfism Awareness Month raises positive awareness on dwarfism, aims to dispel myths and misconceptions, and offers opportunities for people with dwarfism.

An estimated 30,000 people in the United States are born with some type of dwarfism. Internationally, the number grows to 651,000. From person to person, the type of dwarfism takes on different forms. And while there are over 200 distinct forms of dwarfism and skeletal dysplasia, rarely do the conditions affect cognitive abilities.

“People with dwarfism are no different than any other person. We may just need a well-placed stool. Our members are children, college students, business professionals, doctors, engineers, mechanics, artists and teachers. We can do anything an average-height person can do.”
Lois Lamb, LPA President and a person with dwarfism.

During October, National Dwarfism Awareness Month raises positive awareness on dwarfism, aims to dispel myths and misconceptions, and offers opportunities for people with dwarfism.

10/07/2026

October is Rett Syndrome Awareness Month.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare and devastating neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts nearly every aspect of an individual’s life, including their ability to speak, walk, eat, and even breathe. Symptoms can begin as early as 6 months old when parents begin to see their child miss development milestones and lose abilities they had already gained.

Rett syndrome is not a degenerative disorder. Barring illness or complications, individuals with Rett can live into adulthood and beyond, but require lifelong care.

To learn more visit: https://www.rettsyndrome.org/about-rett-syndrome/understanding-rett-syndrome/

10/07/2026

National Depression Education & Awareness Month is an annual designation observed in October. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, about 14.8 million adults in the U.S. are affected by Major Depressive Disorder.

Because of this, su***de is the third leading cause of death for people ages 15-24, and those numbers are currently on the rise. Depression is very difficult for the individual suffering with it, as well as for their friends and family.

Depression makes its victims feel hopeless, distressed, worthless, and anxious, to name a few. Perhaps the most difficult part is that those who suffer from depression rarely see a light at the end of the tunnel, even if everything in their life is seemingly "going well." It's hard for others to grasp because many times, there's not an obvious problem in that person's life that would make them feel depressed. This is why it's important to get the conversation going, even if it's uncomfortable at first. It will save lives.

Follow the link to learn more.

The official source for National Days. Find a complete list of today's holidays, unique celebrations, and fun ways to celebrate every day of the year.

10/06/2026

In October 2026, we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual recognition of the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce.

This “Celebrating Value and Talent” video showcases the important w...

10/06/2026

October shines a spotlight on vision care during World Blindness Awareness Month.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) more than 314 million people in the world have a severe visual impairment, including 37 million who are blind. A shockingly 80 percent of blindness is preventable.

The leading cause of preventable blindness is a bacterial disease called Trachoma. The infection impacts the vision of about 1.9 million people and is considered a public health issue. Another preventable cause of blindness is diabetic retinopathy. Disease management is key to preventing vision damage. Follow the link to learn more.

October shines a spotlight on vision care during World Blindness Awareness Month.

10/06/2026

World Cerebral Palsy Day on October 6th recognizes people with cerebral palsy (CP), their families. The day also shows support for the organizations spreading awareness and expressing pride in the achievements of those with CP.

Over 17 million people in the world have cerebral palsy. In the United States, 500,000 children have CP, making it the most common physical disability in childhood. This non-progressive neurological disorder is usually the result of a loss of oxygen to the brain either before, during, or shortly after birth. Babies born prematurely are especially susceptible to cerebral palsy.

There are different forms of cerebral palsy. Some are much more severe than others. In any type of CP, movement is affected. CP is a complex, lifelong disability for which there is no cure. Follow the link to learn more.

World CP Day on October 6th recognizes people with cerebral palsy & their families while spreading awareness, expresses pride in their achievements.

10/05/2026

Head Start Awareness Month is a chance to recognize 61 years of impact in communities across America.

Millions of children have learned, grown, and discovered what they could do through Head Start. Millions of families have found support, opportunity, and a community behind them.

And those stories continue long after a child leaves the classroom.

Learn more: https://nhsa.org/resource/head-start-awareness-month/

10/05/2026

Dyslexia Awareness Month in October seeks to raise awareness and share the tools to increase better reading skills. Around the world, those who have been diagnosed with the condition will find new resources and approaches to reading. Throughout Dyslexia Awareness Month, events and seminars will provide opportunities for educators and families to access the many benefits available to them.

Follow the link to learn more.

Dyslexia Awareness Month in October seeks to raise awareness and share the tools to increase better reading skills.

10/05/2026

October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month — a time to celebrate the more than 166,000 people nationwide who are living with Spina Bifida. Each October, we celebrate the vibrance of our community, share information that raises awareness and strengthens support for individuals and families, and encourage others to get involved.

Celebrate Spina Bifida Awareness Month in October. Share community stories, raise awareness, and support those living with Spina Bifida. Join us today!