National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (D.D.A.M.), observed throughout March, is a nationwide event to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities and address the barriers that those with disabilities face.

1. Share on social media
   

   Social media is a great way to connect with your community and raise awareness about developmental disabilities. By posting to your social media channels, you will amplify the voices of people with disabilities. Whether it is about inclusion in the workplace, the school, or the community, share it with your followers to spread awareness

   
   

2. Wear orange
   

   Orange is a color symbolizing energy and positivity. It’s also the official color of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. So grab your orange attire, and let’s celebrate!

   
   

3. Put a Smile on Someone's Face Let those individuals with developmental disabilities feel your love and support. Help them reach their dreams and encourage them to unleash their inner potential.

1. It Seeks to Stop Bullying and Stereotypes
   

   Bullying of students with special needs has become a serious and growing national problem. Some reports indicate that nearly 85% of students with special needs experience bullying. Stereotypes about people with disabilities contribute to the prevailing high unemployment rate among people with disabilities.

   
   

2. It Fosters Peer Relationships
   

   D.D.A.M. is a time to create strategies and activities that help students better understand the needs and differences of their peers with disabilities. It helps to foster peer relationships and helps students develop empathy that can have positive outcomes for all students.

   
   

3. It Educates the Community
   

   It is helpful to educate our community to be aware that developmental disabilities are not always evident. For example, some disabilities are visible — a person who uses a wheelchair or crutches to ambulate. Other disabilities — cognitive challenges that affect the way a person speaks, learns, or interacts with others are not easily recognized or noticeable.

   
   

“Nikki Johnson-Alfano, Esq. (Formerly Nikki Johnson-Huston) is an unlikely success story. Born into poverty, she was homeless at age 9, failed out of college by age 18, and by age 30, Nikki was a law school graduate with a J.D., MBA and LL.M in Taxation all earned at the same time in only 4 years.

Nikki is also a successful award-winning attorney and frequent speaker about how she overcame a life of poverty and homelessness to achieve her dreams. She will share her very personal story of how she got her life back on track, fought through adversity and never gave up on her dreams no matter the odds.”

CLICK ON HER PICTURE TO HEAR HER STORY

Learn more about Nikki Johnson- Alfano:

•Nikki Johnson-Alfano (@njohnsonalfano) | Instagram

•https://homelesstolawyer.com/

Mark your calendars!

Nikki-Johnson-Alfano will be a guest speaker at an upcoming virtual assembly for all high school students who wish to attend.

Date: April 3, 2024

Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Online: Link Coming Soon

The assembly is optional. Assembly details will be sent via email.

Tuesday, March 19th is the first day of Spring! Here are some activities to enjoy.

This annual event, created by the National Sleep Foundation, seeks to promote better sleep as a way to increase overall health and well-being. Sleep Awareness Week gives people a chance to see if they have sleep problems.

• Ask your doctor if you can get an appointment with a sleep professional to know if you need to change your sleeping habits.
• Head on over to the National Sleep Foundation to learn about the potential health risks and disorders that may arise from a lack of sleep.
  
• Promote good sleep using social media by using the hashtag #SleepAwarenessWeek.
  
• Convince your friends and family to see if they need an assessment of their sleeping habits.
  

Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD) is a global event held annually on March 1. Its purpose is to remove the stigma attached to self-injury and to encourage parents, family members, educators, and healthcare professionals to recognize the signs of self-harm.

Disclaimer: The purpose of the Agora Cyber Charter School Virtual Calming Room is purely for educational purposes only. Individuals who access the Virtual Calming Room understand this website will not substitute for mental health interventions or mental health treatment. If you are in a crisis, you should contact emergency services and seek consultation of a licensed mental health professional.