Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Human Services will host a special event on March 12, 2025, to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and mark the 6th anniversary of The Blue Umbrella.
The event, set to take place at 10:00 a.m. at the DHS Central Office in Little Rock, will feature the unveiling of eight large banners showcasing Arkansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as the premiere of a short film about a resident at the Conway Human Development Center.
DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam, DHS Medicaid Specialty Populations Director Melissa Weatherton, and Division of Developmental Disabilities Services Director Jennifer Brezée will be in attendance, along with individuals featured on the banners and their families.
Each March, DHS observes DDAM to promote awareness and highlight the importance of inclusion and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Through its Division of Developmental Disabilities Services, DHS serves approximately 70,000 people across Arkansas, providing essential resources to help them lead fulfilling lives.
As part of the month-long celebration, eight 10-foot banners will be displayed on the exterior of the DHS Central Office building in downtown Little Rock.
DHS will also share personal stories on social media, offering a closer look at the lives and contributions of those with developmental disabilities.
The event will also recognize The Blue Umbrella, a store located inside the DHS building that offers individuals with disabilities an opportunity to sell handmade products, fostering financial independence and entrepreneurship.
The store has served as a platform for artisans with disabilities for six years, providing them with meaningful opportunities to showcase their talents.
The celebration aims to inspire greater awareness and support for individuals with developmental disabilities, emphasizing their role as valued members of the community.