THE CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Northern Marianas College’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities alongside the Disability Network Partners of the CNMI is proud to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month or DDAM this March with the campaign “We’re Here All Year,” emphasizing that community, accessibility, and opportunities for people with developmental and other disabilities should be recognized and championed everyday — not just in March.
The CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities kicked-off the campaign with a proclamation and awards ceremony for the Champions on Equal Opportunity on Feb. 28, 2025 at the Saipan World Resort with Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang and members of the CNMI community.
This month reminds us that individuals with developmental disabilities are valuable members of our communities and deserve full participation in all aspects of life, including education, employment, recreation, and civic engagement.
Established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan, DDAM highlights the importance of fostering a society where people with disabilities are empowered to contribute to their communities. While March provides an opportunity for heightened awareness, true awareness happens when we commit to creating accessible environments and productive opportunities year-round.
“Individuals with developmental disabilities are our neighbors, friends, coworkers, and family members, said Pamela C. Sablan, executive director of the CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities. “This campaign will allow us to meet the community and showcase how they enrich our communities with their talents, perspectives, and contributions.”
At the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, we believe everyone deserves the chance to contribute and thrive in the workforce. We provide tools, resources and support to help individuals with disabilities build skills, gain independence, and pursue meaningful careers.
Guided by the Rehabilitation Act and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, we offer customized vocational rehabilitation services, job training, and employment opportunities, promoting self-sufficiency and inclusion in our island communities. This Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we celebrate the power of work, inclusion, and respect. Alongside our disability network partners, we are committed to creating a workforce where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Northern Marianas College’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities is committed year-round to promoting, supporting, and empowering individuals of all abilities to live with independence, productivity, and full inclusion in their communities. We are here all year, not just for a month, but every day, ensuring that opportunities for growth, success, and self-determination are always within reach. Your abilities do not define you — meet us, know us, involve us, and together we can break barriers, challenge limitations, and embrace the strength within. Sail forward with resilience, hope, and unwavering belief in yourself. Your journey is filled with possibilities, and we are here to support you —today, tomorrow, and always. You just have to believe!
Community members are encouraged to participate, learn, and take action toward making their communities more involved.
“Through the ‘We’re Here All Year’ campaign, we want to share that people with developmental disabilities are working, going to school, volunteering, and participating in their community — just like all of us,” said Jill Jacobs, executive director of the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. “When they are engaged and involved in their local community, it is a win-win for everyone.”
The CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities is located in Puerto Rico at Marina Heights Building I Suite 101B and you can reach them at (670) 664-7000/3/5.
