According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), developmental disabilities are defined as impairments in physical, learning, language or behavior areas. Some disabilities are visible at birth, but others are diagnosed when a child’s development is slower than normal in a single area, like language development, or in many areas.
Some developmental disabilities are related to genetic disorders, while others have an unknown origin. Family circumstances like poverty or undernutrition can also contribute to developmental delays. People with disabilities face barriers in connecting to their community; their families are often disconnected as well. These issues are complex, but Philip Hayden Foundation works with vulnerable children with disabilities to help them reach their full potential. PHF provides access to medical care and therapy, nutritious food, and mobility aids. March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). The campaign shares information about disabilities, the need for inclusion, and the many ways in which people with and without disabilities can come together to form strong, diverse communities.