Proclamation aims to raise awareness of developmental disabilities

TROY, N.Y. » Troy City Council President Carmella Mantello sponsored, with all her colleagues co-sponsoring, a resolution designating and proclaiming March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The resolution was unanimously passed at the March Regular Council Meeting.

Mantello, the mom of a special needs son, has been working over her City Council tenure on the “Think Differently” initiative, which encourages more inclusiveness and accessibility for the developmental disabilities and special needs community.

She worked with the Epilepsy Foundation to install the first handicapped swing in the City of Troy’s parks, and continues working with neighborhood organizations and the city administration to make our city more inclusive and accessible to the special needs community.

“The most effective way to increase this awareness is through everyone’s active participation in community activities and openness to learn and acknowledge each individual’s contributions,” Mantello stated.

“We encourage all citizens to support opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in our community that include full access to education, housing, employment, and recreational activities,” Mantello noted.

“We are stronger when everyone participates. Please take time to get to know someone with a disability, and recognize that a person with a developmental disability can do like you!” Mantello added.