ABHM offers more than housing and health care to seniors. Through our Crest Services division, we provide support to those with developmental disabilities or those who have suffered brain injuries. Crest Services operates in Iowa and Southern Minnesota. Our new blog post focuses on the Crest Services division, and is written by a family member of a recipient of our services.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM), a time we here at Crest Services and people everywhere celebrate the achievements of individuals with developmental disabilities. This year’s theme, “We’re Here All Year,” led by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), calls on all of us to build communities where everyone, regardless of ability, truly belongs.

The message is clear: People with developmental disabilities are already part of our communities—working, learning, volunteering, and making a difference. They don’t need to be included because they already belong.

How It All Began

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month was established in 1987 through a presidential proclamation by President Ronald Reagan. Its purpose is to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society. It’s about celebrating differences and ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities can thrive at school, work, and in life.

What Are Developmental Disabilities?

According to Easterseals, developmental disabilities are conditions that occur from birth to early childhood, impacting day-to-day functioning and often being lifelong diagnoses. Common examples include:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Down Syndrome
  • Hearing or Vision Loss
  • Learning Disorders
  • ADHD

Understanding the Causes

Developmental disabilities can arise from various factors, including genetics, complications during birth, or parental health and behaviors during pregnancy. In many cases, the exact cause is unknown.

The Prevalence of Developmental Disabilities

Developmental disabilities affect more people than many realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

  • Over six million Americans live with these conditions.
  • 17% of children in the U.S. between the ages of three and 17 have one or more developmental disabilities.

These numbers highlight the need for accessible environments and opportunities year-round—not just in March.

Building Inclusive Communities Beyond March

True inclusion means more than awareness—it means action. Here are a few ways to build communities where everyone feels they belong:

  • Advocate for Accessibility: Support businesses and public spaces that prioritize accessibility.
  • Promote Inclusive Hiring: Employers, consider offering more job opportunities for people with disabilities.
  • Foster Social Connections: Invite people with developmental disabilities to community activities. Small actions can make a big difference.

Making a Difference Year-Round

As we recognize Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Crest Services remains dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities—not just in March, but all year long. Together, we can build communities where everyone has a chance to thrive.

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Minnesota’s Role in a Groundbreaking Medical Advance
Imagine being one of the first people in the country to try a treatment that could change the course of Alzheimer’s disease. For Kathy Ingebrand of Mahtomedi, MN, this isn’t just a possibility—it’s her reality.

Diagnosed at just 59, Kathy is one of the first Americans to receive Kisunla, a newly FDA-approved treatment. Now on her fourth monthly infusion, she remains hopeful the drug will slow the disease’s progression, giving her and her family more time to create lasting memories. Continue reading Minnesota Woman Among the First in U.S. to Receive Groundbreaking Alzheimer’s Treatment

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For many older adults, driving represents freedom. Discussing driving with aging loved ones can be emotional and complex. Safe driving hinges on cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities, and changes in these areas can raise concerns. Here are some tips to help you approach the topic with empathy and practical solutions, ensuring safety while respecting independence.

Warning Signs and Risk Factors

While aging doesn’t automatically mean unsafe driving, the following signals may suggest it’s time to reassess: Continue reading Navigating the Road Ahead: Talking to Your Aging Loved Ones About Driving

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ABHM offers more than housing and health care to seniors. Through our Crest Services division, we provide support to those with developmental disabilities or those who have suffered brain injuries. Crest Services operates in Iowa and Southern Minnesota. Our new blog post focuses on the Crest Services division, and is written by a family member of a recipient of our services.

As parents of an adult child with special needs, we’re always looking ahead. How can we ensure Alex is secure and cared for when we’re no longer here? Alex, our 38-year-old son with developmental disabilities, lives at home and receives hourly Home and Community-Based Services. Late in my career as a healthcare executive, I shifted my focus to working with individuals with physical and intellectual challenges to better understand the complexities Alex will face ‘in the system’ as he grows older.

Unique Challenges for Parents of Children with Special Needs

We can foresee a time when Alex’s needs may no longer be safely met at home, even with services. There will also come a day when neither of us will be present in his life. For parents of children with special needs, these thoughts weigh heavily. While all parents worry about their children’s futures, the complexity of securing appropriate services and planning for a safe, fulfilling life adds an extra layer of concern. Continue reading A PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE: Navigating the Future

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Nearly 42% of people over 55 may develop dementia—a risk that’s hard to ignore and rising. For those with certain health conditions, the likelihood doubles. While this may sound alarming, there’s no need to panic. You have more control over your brain health than you think, and taking simple steps today can make a big difference.

A 2023 study published in Nature Medicine found that dementia risk has increased, particularly among people with heart-related diseases. However, experts stress that risk is not destiny—many people with these risk factors never develop dementia.

The study also found that Black individuals face a sharper rise in risk starting at age 75. For women, the risk surpasses men’s around age 85, primarily because women tend to live longer. Continue reading Worried About Dementia? The Risk is Rising—Here’s How You Can Take Action

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While the holiday season often brings images of joy and togetherness, it can also highlight feelings of loneliness and isolation for many older adults during the holidays and afterwards. If you’re experiencing these emotions, you’re not alone. At American Baptist Homes of the Midwest and your local ABHM community, we understand the unique challenges that seniors may face during this time, and we are here to offer support. By exploring simple, manageable strategies, seniors can rediscover connection, joy, and purpose this season—and beyond.

Understanding Loneliness

Loneliness is more than just an emotional feeling—it’s a growing concern for many older adults, especially during the holidays. Factors like the loss of loved ones, limited mobility, geographic distance, and health issues can make this time of year particularly challenging. According to the National Health and Aging Trends Study, 43% of seniors report feeling lonely regularly, with numbers increasing during the holidays. Dr. Amit Shah, a Mayo Clinic geriatrician, has emphasized that loneliness can be as harmful as smoking, obesity, or excessive alcohol consumption, linking it to serious health risks like cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and even premature death. Continue reading Combating Loneliness: Tips for the Holiday Season and Beyond

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