Henrico salutes accomplishments of individuals with developmental disabilities

Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services will sponsor an ice cream social Friday, March 27 to recognize Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and to celebrate the achievements and successes of people with developmental disabilities.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. at Hermitage Enterprises, 8247 Hermitage Road. Festivities will include presentations highlighting individuals and their talents, hopes, dreams and accomplishments.

Hermitage Enterprises works with local employers to promote the hiring of individuals who have developmental disabilities and live in Henrico, New Kent and Charles City counties. The individuals also serve various organizations as volunteers. For information about Hermitage Enterprises and its programs, call Shirley Lyons at (804) 262-6665, ext. 8803.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe has declared March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Virginia. Nearly 150,000 adults and children across the state have developmental disabilities.

As part of the statewide observance, Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services supports greater awareness of people’s abilities and similarities, and promotes employment and residential opportunities that more fully integrate individuals with developmental disabilities into the community.