Developmental Disability Awareness Month Awards Celebration

This year’s Developmental Disability Awareness Month Awards Celebration was so much fun! Congratulations, to all the recipients

DC Project ACTION! Celebrated DD Awareness Month at Their In-Person Meeting on March 23, 2024

 

Sharing from: DC Project Action

DC Project ACTION! celebrated DD Awareness month at their in-person meeting yesterday.  They had a great turnout.     

Afterwards they partnered with Lifeline Partnership   for a joint DDAM Award event, get-together with music from Jesse Coley and the Wes Biles Jazz Band.

They presented the Lawrence Anthony Vessels Vision Award to Amy Brooks, CEO of RCM of Washington Inc  and the Thelma Goldberg Lifetime Advocacy Award to Councilmember Vincent Gray.

An Advocacy Day to remember!

Congratulations! Amy Brooks Was Awarded the Lawrence Anthony Vessels 2024 Vision Award

 

On March 23, 2024, RCM’s CEO Amy Brooks was awarded the Lawrence Anthony Vessels 2024 Vision Award by Project Action. Congrats, Amy 🎉

Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals

 

Last night Bill S. 1332, the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals, passed unanimously in the Senate. This bill will designate a specific federal Standard Occupational Code (SOC) for Direct Support Professionals (DSP). With a SOC, there will be legitimate measure for identifying staffing needs, gaps in services, and risks for cessation of services. The SOC can provide information to inform decision makers and shape future policies. 

Now this bill needs to get through the House of Representatives. Should you feel inclined to support this effort, we encourage you to click on the below call to action link created by ANCOR American Network of Community Options and Resources, who have worked tirelessly on this effort. Tell them in your own words why recognizing DSP's is so important, or if you don't have time, simply use the given prompt. Let's see this bill get across the finish line this Congress!

To learn more, click here: Call on Your Representative to Recognize Direct Support Professionals 

The Judith Campaign - Thomas Mangrum's Story

For the third spotlight in the Judith Campaign, the DC Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) is proud to feature Thomas Mangrum. In the video, Thomas talks about his understanding of the word 'deserve.' He reminds us all that everybody, including individuals with developmental disabilities, have the right to deserve something. Thomas also emphasizes the importance of self-love.

A True Leader!

Sharing from: Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities

In observance of Women's History Month, Quality Trust will be highlighting women leaders in the disability advocacy community as a form of appreciation and gratitude. 

Meet Donna Thornton: 

Donna Thornton is a strong advocate and member of Project ACTION!, the District’s self-advocacy coalition. She advocates and testifies at DC City Council hearings, trains disability professionals, and mentors new self-advocates.  Donna retired from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after a 28-year, public servant career.  Donna believes that all people with disabilities should be able to work if they want and readily counsels people when they share their career challenges. She has presented at local and national conferences on different topics and enjoys presenting to parents with developmental disabilities.  Donna serves on the Board of Directors of Quality Trust and other advocacy organizations and government agencies to make sure the voices of self-advocates are heard and influence policies and legislation that impact the lives of people with disabilities. She and her husband have received many awards and were the subjects of a made-for-TV movie entitled, “Profoundly Normal,” and appeared on 60 Minutes, sharing their story as one of the first couples with developmental disabilities to be married.

Thank you, Donna, for all of your hard work!

Stop Limiting People with Negative Assumptions!

Warning: Adult Language in Video

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2024

 

What’s Inside a More Accessible and Inclusive Starbucks Store?

Did you know that Starbucks first ever Inclusive Spaces Framework location is here in DC? It opened a few weeks ago and is located in the Union Market area. This space will guide Starbucks future store construction in an effort to create a more accessible customer experience. Click on the link below to learn more! 

 To read more on this story, click here: What’s Inside a More Accessible and Inclusive Starbucks Store? 

 

 

M&T Bank's Women's History Month Commercial Featuring RCM's CEO Amy Brooks

Did anyone catch M&T Bank's Women's History Month commercial featuring RCM's CEO Amy Brooks? RCM is very proud to be a Woman Owned business. If you missed it, take a look below!