STARability Foundation has received proclamations from Collier County and the City of Naples declaring March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. These proclamations will support STARability in its efforts to increase public awareness about developmental disabilities.
“At STARability, we strive to ensure everyone has access to transformative programs, vital resources and an inclusive community that provide opportunities for our STARs to live meaningful lives and become vibrant members of society,” said Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation. “These proclamations are truly appreciated as they further help shine a light on individuals with developmental disabilities and promote greater understanding of the issues that affect the lives of our participants. It will also go a long way in helping to create opportunities for inclusion and identify ways to serve more families throughout our community.”
Intellectual and developmental disabilities affect approximately 7 million individuals in the United States, as well as their loved ones and caregivers, including a wide spectrum of impairments in learning and behavior, as well as loss of physical and/or intellectual functioning that may cause substantial limitations, including self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, independent living and economic self-sufficiency.
While families receive support while their children are in school, they are often unable to find services once they age out of the school system. In Collier County alone, an estimated 1,000 students with disabilities in Collier County schools will need supplemental services when they age out of the system.
STARability is working to fill this gap through social, vocational and educational programs, while strengthening awareness and respect for individual abilities. Their experienced and compassionate team is dedicated to promoting solutions for the needs of its STAR participants at every level, allowing them to express themselves through music, art and dance, use technology to interact with others, and find rewarding jobs.
STARability offers a variety of programs that promote inclusive employment, engagement and independence such as STAR Connections – creative expression workshops, wellness classes, continuing education and sports leagues; the Trailblazer Academy – a pioneering day program; employment services; and the STAR Store and Studio.
