03/10/2026
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM), providing us with the opportunity to explore both the challenges and progress of the developmental disabilities community in achieving health equity. This year's theme, "We're Here: Then, Now, Always," builds on the success of last year's theme, "We’re Here All Year." This month, we reflect on how far the disability community has come and why continued advocacy efforts have strengthened the commitment to inclusion and community living. Individuals with developmental disabilities are valuable members of our communities and deserve full participation in all aspects of life, including education, employment, recreation, and civic engagement.
DDAM is dedicated to raising awareness of the barriers people with developmental disabilities face in connecting with their communities. These individuals and families often struggle to find accessible oral and primary health care and specialty services that align with their needs. Oral care is often neglected among people with disabilities, contributing to serious negative oral and overall health outcomes. Oral health professionals have made advances in improving access for patients with developmental disabilities. While health care services for individuals with developmental disabilities have improved, more oral health champions are needed to improve oral care in all communities!
Check out OHNEP's Blog, Tool Kits and Education resources that focus on oral care for persons with disabilities at our website OHNEP.org!
