March is National Developmental Disability Awareness Month. This is the 28th year that the United States has both recognized and celebrated this month as National Developmental Disability Awareness Month. This month gives us an opportunity to provide awareness, understanding, and support for people with disabilities to live a life with equal opportunities. Whether you have someone in your life who is directly impacted by a disability, or you want to get more involved through volunteering, here are some tips and resources from Hello4Health™:
- We all have differences. Some may be bigger than others, but we all know to a certain extent what it feels like to be different from another. However, this should not prevent us from getting to know one another or spending time together. Learn how to connect across differences with these tips from Hello4Health.
- If you want to become more involved this month, try volunteering. Check out The Arc Minnesota for both one-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities that promote and protect human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Try these tips for deepening conversations. Starting with a beginner’s mindset when in conversation with someone who is different than you can allow you to come with an open mind to learn and explore differences.
Well-Being Resources for All Ages
Did you know Allina Health offers mental health and wellness resources for individuals of all ages? You’re probably most familiar with Hello4Health™, which focuses on social connections for adults, but we’ve got two other initiatives for parents, kids or teens. Explore the resources and skill-building activities below.
Health Powered Kids focuses on youth ages 3-14 with lesson plans to help kids be active, keep clean, find balance and eat well.
Change to Chill focuses on youth ages 13-19 with resources to help teens become more aware of what is causing them stress and how to manage it.