HONESDALE — The Wayne County Commissioners on March 14 proclaimed this month as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and the large turnout for it last Thursday demonstrated just how many people and agencies are involved locally.

Cindy Matthews, who administers a wide variety of related programs at Wayne County Human Services, said many individuals and their families joined participating service agencies including: Wayne County Administrative Entity for Developmental Programs, Wayne County Supports Coordination Organization, Wayne County Early Intervention, the Human Resources Center, Inc., Devereux Pocono Center, Care for People Plus, Community Vocational Services and representatives from Wayne Memorial Hospital’s Project Search.

“During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and all throughout the year, Wayne County Developmental Programs seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities in all areas of community life as well as eradicate barriers that people with disabilities sometimes face in connecting to the community in which they live.  Today was a demonstration of the wide variety of individuals and their interests and how they make wonderful contributions to our community,” Matthews wrote.

According to the proclamation, “developmental disability affects more than seven million Americans and their families, and disability is a natural part of the human experience that does not diminish the right of individuals to live independently, to exert choice over their own lives and to fully participate in and contribute to their communities.

“People with developmental disabilities are vibrant and valued members of our community, improving the quality of life for all of us… We value what is important to people with disabilities and their families who are striving for everyday lives, no different than that of all other citizen.”