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2025 DD Awareness Month

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Always

Image of a word cloud showing all the "I am always" messages gathered by OCDD. These include I am always: an advocate, inspiring, a parent, loved, a leader, a person, a neighbor, a champion, an athlete, have integrity, an employee, a hard worker, a church member, determined, a dancer, a singer, a musician, knowledgeable, a homeowner, a business owner, courageous, patient, and artist, a friend, creative, capable, a mentor, strong, and a caregiver.

2025 DD Awareness Proclamation

Image of the 2025 DD Awareness Proclamation, signed by Governor Tina Kotek

The 2025 proclamation signed by Governor Tina Kotek, officially kicked off the start of the 2025 DD Awareness Month celebrations and campaign.

Read the 2025 Proclamation (PDF)

Listen to a Reading of the 2025 Proclamation

Image of the 2025 DD Awareness Poster showing Individuals with I/DD sharing comments inside speech bubbles with the following: "I am always a leader," I am always a visionary," I am always an author," I am always a barrier breaker," I am always an advocate."

The 2025 DD Awareness theme and poster was “Developmental Disability Awareness Always,” showing that DD awareness takes more than a month. It’s something we do all year.

The theme highlighted that every person has valuable strengths, infinite capacity to thrive, and the potential to make important contributions to their local communities.

DD Awareness Celebration Event

OCDD hosted a celebration event on Friday, March 7th at the Barbara Roberts Human Services Building in Salem, Oregon. The event kicked of the 2025 DD Awareness Month celebrations with a reading of the proclamation and unveiling of the 2025 poster, as well as remarks from:

Read the Press Release

The DD Awareness campaign is funded by a portion of a financial assistance award from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) totaling $860,782. 100% of this project is funded by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS or the U.S. Government.