Tinton Falls Recognizes Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Tinton Falls has joined over 25 Monmouth County towns that have officially recognized March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Tinton Falls Mayor Michael Skudera recently read a proclamation dedicating March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and was joined by The Arc of Monmouth Executive Director Mary Scott and residents and staff representing the various group homes in Tinton Falls.

“It is great to know that advocates like Mary Scott and The Arc of Monmouth are working hard to protect the rights of the disabled," Mayor Skudera said.

The mayor’s mother Joan Skudera is a member of the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities Human Rights Committee and his brother David Skudera lives in a group home in Tinton Falls and takes part in The Arc's Work Opportunity Center Program.

The Arc of Monmouth, headquartered in Tinton Falls, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and serves more than 1,400 individuals at 20 locations throughout Monmouth County. Over the last 60 years, The Arc and its network of more than 700 chapters across the country and promoted and protects the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).  

The Arc of Monmouth is joining national efforts to raise awareness about disability related policy on the campaign trail. In 2008, only 46 percent of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who were eligible to vote actually did so. 

Together, chapters of The Arc nationwide are working on the “We’ve Got The Power!” campaign, which aims to improve voting rates of in the I/DD community for 2012 and educate candidates about the issues that matter most to the I/DD community.

“Individuals with disabilities have the right to vote”, Executive Director Mary Scott said. “The goal of the campaign is to encourage them not only to vote, but also to speak out about the topics that are important to them.” 

The Arc of Monmouth’s annual Tinton Falls 5K Race and Walk will be held at Liberty Park II on Saturday, May 5. 

To get involved, visit www.arcofmonmouth.org/walk, or call 732-493-1919. (732) 493-1919.