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Across the United States, organizations devoted to serving individuals with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities are planning special events in March to raise public awareness — redirecting the public's attention to what individuals with mental retardation can do instead of what they cannot do.
What is Mental Retardation Awareness Month?
Since 1979, The Arc of the United States, a charity devoted to people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities, has sponsored this annual observance. During this month, efforts focus on increasing public awareness of mental retardation and related developmental disabilities. Through public service announcements, media coverage and public speaking, throughout the year and especially this month, it is the goal of participating organizations and agencies to enhance the community's understanding of the issues affecting people with mental retardation.
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Clay Roberts is a member of Team USA as an equestrian competitor, but participates in many Special Olympics events. Here he poses with his playing partner, Dave Dennin (left), 26, of Trumbull, CT, during the 2002 Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Tournament last September in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
(Photo courtesy PGA.com) |
Activities planned for March throughout the United States include library displays, weekly features on individuals in local newspapers, and talks to school children and community groups. Contact your local Special Olympics Program to find out how you can become involved, or to request a speaker for your school or community group. A Special Olympics athlete, perhaps someone like Clay Roberts, is a natural fit for such local talks — Roberts and his mother often speak to community organizations in and around Golden, Texas.
Early in life, Roberts was diagnosed with learning disabilities, placing him in Special Education classes for most of his education, although he was often mainstreamed into other subjects such as agriculture and drama. The acceptance and encouragement of those teachers, as well as his classmates at Mineola High School, were instrumental in building his overall self-esteem. His success became the foundation for him to become a Special Olympics Global Messenger. Global Messengers are Special Olympics athletes who are trained and work with a local speech coach to give speeches and presentations to help others realize the full potential of people with mental retardation.
Roberts is bound for Dublin, Ireland, and the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games this summer, joining Team USA as an equestrian competitor. In addition to his talent with horses, he has a unique skill that's helping to finance his trip overseas — read a profile of Clay Roberts in the Compete section of this Web site ("Meet our Athletes.")
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