Commissioners offer support to those with disabilities

BERKS COUNTY

They’re diagnoses that most people have heard about before, but that far less fully understand.

Autism. Down syndrome. Cerebral palsy.

They, along with other conditions that may not be as instantly recognizable to the general public, are intellectual or developmental disabilities. They are conditions that can cause impairments in areas like language, learning, social interaction and physical behavior.

More than 7 million Americans have an intellectual or developmental disability. But despite that high number, there continue to be conditions often shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding.

To highlight people with these conditions and their contributions to the community, the Berks County commissioners issued a proclamation at their weekly meeting Thursday designating March as Intellectual & Developmental Disability Awareness Month.

The commissioners offered their support to efforts that assist people with disabilities to make choices that empower them to live successful lives. They also urged citizens to help spread awareness of the contributions offered by people with disabilities in the community.

Pam Seaman, the county’s mental health and developmental disabilities administrator, said Berks supports about 1,500 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through various programs.

“I have worked in this field for a long time and I have seen a lot of good changes over time,” she said. “The focus used to be on what the disabilities were of this group rather than what their abilities were. We’ve come to appreciate those abilities and offer a lot of unique and diverse services for individuals now.”

Seaman said the county focuses on community programming to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities realize their full potential and provide opportunities they need to lead productive lives.

Commissioners Chairman Christian Leinbach said the county can make a difference in the lives of these people by partnering with service providers.

“The most important thing for us to remember is that the people dealing with these challenges are all around us and they can be a valuable part of our community,” he said.

More than 7 million Americans have an intellectual or developmental disability.