Delco honors self-advocates for Intellectual Disability Awareness Month

MEDIA » It was a packed room for the Delaware County Council meeting on Wednesday, March 14, as various organizations and self-advocates joined Delaware County Council in recognizing March as Intellectual Disability Awareness Month.

“Every March, Delaware County Council recognizes the contributions of people with intellectual disabilities,” said Councilman Kevin M. Madden. “These individuals are valued coworkers, family members and friends in our Delaware County community.”

Since this observance was started by President Ronald Reagan 30 years ago, much progress has been made. People with intellectual disabilities are not only included in public schools, they are now attending college programs. Individuals are now employed in a broader segment of the workforce. And individuals are finding creative ways to live on their own, or with supports, in affordable housing.

“Delaware County has a very diverse, active community of people with intellectual disabilities, who are supported by their friends, families, employers and advocates here in Delaware County,” Councilman Madden.

The Delaware County Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities serves various populations, now including children and adults with autism, and children up to age 9 with developmental disabilities likely to result in a diagnosis of intellectual disability.

At the March 14 weekly meeting, council recognized the Delaware County Office of Intellectual Disabilities with a resolution and also announced the office name change to Delaware County Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in order to reflect the preference of advocates and individuals who receive service from the office.

Council also specially recognized two individuals who live by example as self-advocates, and who have empowered people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through their own success, self-determination, and independence.

One of those individuals is advocate and Special Olympics Athlete Timothy H. Cody, of Upper Providence, who passed away earlier this year. Cody was involved in Delaware County Special Olympics for many years, competing in soccer, softball and basketball. He was also an active member of the Arc of Delaware County, now called the Delaware County Advocacy & Resource Organization. He also worked at two locations in Media, Acme Markets and the

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