March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM), and this year’s theme, Connections Matter, is one that resonates deeply with the work we do every day at the Eastern Shore Community Services Board.
For individuals with developmental disabilities, meaningful connections make all the difference. Connection to community. Connection to opportunity. Connection to the support and services that help people live full, self-determined lives. At ESCSB, those connections are at the heart of everything we do through our Developmental Services department.
What Is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month?
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month has been recognized each March since 1987, when President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation to raise public awareness about the needs and contributions of people with developmental disabilities. Today, it is a time to highlight the importance of inclusion, celebrate the achievements of individuals with developmental disabilities, and shine a light on the resources and services that help them thrive.
Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions that affect physical, learning, language, or behavioral functioning and typically emerge before the age of 22. They include conditions such as Intellectual Disability, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, among others. According to the CDC, about one in six children in the United States has a developmental disability.
How ESCSB Supports Individuals and Families on the Eastern Shore
ESCSB’s Developmental Services department serves residents of Accomack and Northampton Counties with a team of trained professionals dedicated to person-centered care. That means every individual we serve has the freedom to make choices based on their own wishes and desires. Our services are primarily funded through Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers, and we believe that no one should be denied access to care due to an inability to pay.
Here is a closer look at the services we provide:
Support Coordination / Case Management
Navigating services, benefits, and community resources can feel overwhelming. Our Case Management team works alongside individuals and their families to identify needs, connect to the right services, and build a plan that supports each person’s goals for independence and community participation.
Day Support Services
Our Day Support Services provide structured, meaningful daytime programming for adults with developmental disabilities. Participants build skills, develop relationships, and engage with their community in ways that are important to them.
Residential Services
For individuals who need support in a home setting, our Residential Services provide assistance with daily living, community integration, and personal independence. Our team is committed to ensuring every resident feels safe, supported, and empowered.
Connections Matter to Us, Too
This month, we are reminded that awareness is only the first step. True inclusion means showing up for individuals with developmental disabilities every day, not just in March. It means advocating for accessible communities, supporting families who are navigating complex systems, and continuing to invest in the services that help people reach their full potential.
If you or someone you love could benefit from Developmental Services on the Eastern Shore, we encourage you to reach out. Our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you find the right path forward.
To learn more about ESCSB Developmental Services or to get started, call us at (757) 442-3933, ext. 400.