The Arc Mower County is proud to join advocates across the country to recognize March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

This month commemorates the progress in improving the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and highlights the challenges that remain in achieving full inclusion.

The Arc’s advocacy efforts were crucial to President Ronald Reagan’s signing of a proclamation in 1987 affirming “Americans are becoming increasingly aware that such disabilities need not keep individuals from realizing their full potential in school, at work or at home, as members of their families and of their communities.”

This month we will join more than 700 chapters of The Arc nationwide and advocate with and on behalf of individuals with I/DD. Their right to live, learn, and work as they choose must not be ignored. These individuals are our neighbors, colleagues, friends and family members, and we must ensure that they have a fair opportunity to achieve their dreams.

While there has been much progress over the years, there is still much to be done. We hope the community will join our efforts and help us raise awareness.

Developmental Disabilities Month is our time to make a difference. To learn more about events insert your chapter’s name is holding throughout the month visit chapter website link. Together lets change hearts and minds in March.

Upcoming events

• The Arc’s 18th annual Rose Sale: This event continues through April 2. We are recruiting Rose Sale Captains. Contact The Arc at 507-433-8994 for details or visit www.arcmowercounty.org.

• Saturday, April 6, is the third annual Taste of Mower County at the Austin Holiday Inn. The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with food tastings of signature items from Mower County’s finest chefs and ends about 8:30 p.m. There will be a cash bar, wine tastings, prizes, live and silent auction and entertainment. Chefs will be judged on their food by guests in different categories: restaurant chefs and home chefs.

Tickets are available now: $25 for individuals, $40 for couples, $75 for a half table (four people) or $150 for a full table (eight people).

Sponsorship opportunities are also available: $1,000 for Top Chef, $750 for Iron Chef, $500 for Ace of Cakes and $250 for Galloping Gourmet.

Call 507-433-8994 or visit www.arcmowercounty.org to purchase tickets or for more information.