Do you know what disability awareness means? Historically, the phrase was associated with being knowledgeable of others’ disabilities, but knowledge without action is no longer enough. The disability awareness definition is to educate the public of laws and policies regarding disabled persons, which protect them from discrimination.
While you’re marking important dates on your 2017 calendar, be sure to make a note of these disability awareness days. Several organizations create disability awareness activities you can participate in with your friends, family, and disabled loved ones. Spread awareness, knowledge, acceptance, and understanding by encouraging others to make a note of these special days, too.
National Disability Awareness Days in 2017
January
- Glaucoma Awareness Month: Often referred to as the “sneak thief of sight,” glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness in the world. Over three million Americans suffer from this disease.
February
- American Heart Month: Cardiovascular diseases, like heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure, are the number-one killer in the United States. President Obama made February American Heart Month and encourages others to wear red to help spread awareness about these preventable diseases.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day: February 2 is a day to promote and educate others about debilitating effects of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Rare Disease Day: February 28 is the day created to recognize diseases that do not have an exclusive disability awareness day but still affect the health of loved ones.
March
- Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month: Cerebral palsy is an inclusive term used to describe problems with movement and posture due to brain damage or abnormalities. During this month, the hashtag, #CerebralPalsyCan, is used on social media to show that people with this disability are no different that anyone else.
- International Wheelchair Day: March 1 is recognized around the world as International Wheelchair Day to spread disability awareness in schools, encourage teachers to create activities for students to participate in, and show the impact of wheelchairs.
April
- Autism Awareness Month: This is a disability awareness month recognized in the United States and Canada. Las Vegas puts on a 5K and 10K for Autism Awareness Month.
- Parkinson’s Disease International Awareness Day: April 11 aims to spread awareness of the nervous system disease that can affect anyone.
May
- ALS Month: ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. May is for educating the public about this fatal disease, which affects the nervous system by weakening muscles and negatively impacting physical function.
- Arthritis Month: May is also Arthritis Awareness Month. There are over 100 types of joint disease referred to as arthritis, which can affect the day-to-day lives of your loved ones.
June
- Autistic Pride Day: June 18 is celebrated as Autistic Pride Day. On this day, families, friends, and communities come together to spread autistic awareness and acceptance.
July
- International Day of Friendship: On July 30, people of different cultures and countries to celebrate what makes one another different. This is a great day to spread disability awareness in schools and at home.
August
- National Senior Citizens Day: Aug. 21 honors senior loved ones by recognizing all they have accomplished in their life. On this day, take the time to visit your senior loved ones, especially disabled senior family members.
September
- World Alzheimer’s Day: One of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States is Alzheimer’s disease. It’s the only disease on the list that cannot be slowed down or prevented. Every minute or so, someone develops Alzheimer’s.
- Falls Prevention Awareness Day: September 22 was made Falls Prevention Awareness Day by the National Council of Aging. A fall can severely impact the health of senior family members. Spread awareness to your senior loved ones to prevent them from falling.
October
- Disability Employment Awareness Month: Disabled adults play an important role in the workforce and the economy. October educates disabled adults on their right to work and businesses on laws when hiring a person with different abilities.
- Down Syndrome Awareness Month: October celebrates the abilities of people with down syndrome, rather than their disabilities. In several cities, walks are held to spread awareness to friends, family, and community members.
November
- Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month: President Obama has made several national days and months to spread disability awareness in the United States. In 2016, November was declared Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. Many people wear purple this month to show their support for Alzheimer’s research.
- Diabetes Awareness Month: Every November, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases partner with local disability awareness organizations and healthcare professionals to educate the public on diabetes.
December
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities: On December 3, people all around the world come together to celebrate their disabled loved ones and their different abilities. This day is an important time to spread disability awareness to the community.
Nevada Adult Day Healthcare Always Celebrates Different Abilities
Visit us online to find out how we spread disability awareness every single day of the year by celebrating your disabled loved ones and their different abilities.
