Mother’s Day 2013: All About Developmental Disabilities Launches “All About Moms” Campaign

ATLANTA - May 7, 2013 - PRLog -- Contact: Mitch Leff, mitch@leffassociates.com, 404-861-4769

Mother’s Day 2013 will have added meaning this year as All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) (http://aadd.org) launches the “All About Moms” campaign to raise awareness and generate support for mothers across the country working hard, and often struggling, to raise children with developmental disabilities. In many cases, mothers are the primary caregivers for their children with developmental disabilities.  They make many personal sacrifices to provide for their sons and daughters.

These moms are often isolated, extremely busy with jobs and care giving, leaving little time for themselves or participation in the community.
Mothers of children with developmental disabilities are often single and dedicate their lives to raising and caring for their children through childhood and adulthood.
Often 70 and 80-year-old women are still caring for their adult children.  

The “All About Moms” campaign will educate people and communities on ways they can support moms raising children with physical or intellectual disabilities who may really need a hand, but do not have the time, resources or energy to reach out on their own.

The campaign will create a framework and template for community support. Beyond families and close friends, that community might include neighbors, co-workers and employers.

Developmental disabilities are defined as severe chronic disabilities that limit three or more critical functional abilities. Examples include Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism disorders, fetal alcohol disorders and intellectual disabilities.  These disabilities often manifest early in life (before age 22) and last a lifetime.

“All moms, but particularly those whose children have a developmental disability, need support with a kind word, help with the laundry or grocery shopping, a meal once in awhile,” says Kathy Keeley, executive director of All About Developmental Disabilities.  “These moms need someone to call in a crisis to get a ride to a doctor’s appointment or to plant flowers around their house.  They need a shoulder to cry on, a friend that will encourage them and give a smile that will make the day a bit brighter.”

Keeley adds: “Mothers dedicate their lives to providing the best care and life for their children, often making great sacrifices. We are reaching out to the community to ask for help on their behalf.  No mother should have to do this alone and our community needs to make sure they know we care.”

Campaign Components

The “All About Moms” campaign will provide overall information on developmental disabilities so people can learn more about developmental disabilities and gain an understanding of the child and the family situation.  

Through in-person presentations to community groups and social media tools, AADD will provide tips and suggestions on how to reach out and be helpful to a family they might know in their community
An “All About Moms” micro site will provide other useful links and resources.  
Facebook will be an open page for both mothers of children with developmental disabilities as well as everyone else who may wish to learn more and determine ways to positively impact a family.

New Campaign Will Be a Year-Round Program

Launch: The “All About Moms” program launches on Mother’s Day, but it is designed to be an ongoing effort.  At launch, a new web site will provide useful materials including:

FAQ: “Know More About Developmental Disabilities”
Five Warning Signs that a Mom Needs Help
Tips to Help a Mom
Links to disability information
Contact mechanism for Moms to ask for help

Summer 2013: Beginning in August, AADD staffers will begin visiting with community groups to train them to be All About Moms organizers in their own communities.  The web site will continue to expand as new tools and resources are added.

Winter 2013:  The All About Moms program will provide resources to support mothers through the holiday months.

May 2014:  Around Mother’s Day 2014, AADD will hold its first annual All About Moms awards luncheon, honoring mothers from around Georgia for their efforts.

The AADD Family Support Center exists to support families in raising and supporting their children, young, teen or adult, living with developmental disabilities.  

“Through person-centered planning, advocacy, workshops, peer support groups and a resource center, AADD can do a lot to help a mom working to care for a child with a development disability, however, AADD cannot do this alone.  We need the community to reach out and embrace these families in their community, church, workplace, and/or extended family,” says Keeley.

About All About Developmental Disabilities
Founded in 1956, All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) is an Atlanta-based non-profit organization dedicated to creating lifelong support, education and opportunities for children, adults and families living with developmental disabilities.  AADD provides support services, advocacy and training to families living with developmental disabilities.

Developmental disabilities are defined as severe chronic disabilities that limit three or more critical functional abilities.  Examples include Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism disorders, fetal alcohol disorders and intellectual disabilities.  These disabilities often manifest early in life (before age 22) and last a lifetime.

Georgia relies on a disjointed system of services and support that cannot be sustained long-term.  Economic uncertainties are reducing funding support, even as the number of people in need increases.  AADD offers a range of services focusing on Family Support, Public Policy and Advocacy and Community Engagement.  For more information, go to www.AADD.org or call us at (404) 881-9777.