EHCA Celebrates National Intellectual Disabilities Awareness Month During March

March is National Intellectual Disabilities Awareness Month.  The American Association of Intellectual and Development Disabilities (AAIDD) defines an intellectual disability as being “characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, which covers many everyday social and practical skills.” At Erie Homes for Children and Adults (EHCA), people with intellectual disabilities are given the support needed to live rich and fulfilling lives.  Through 9 programs, including residential and community-based services, EHCA improves the lives of more than 275 people and their families every day across Erie, Crawford, Venango, and Potter Counties.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 3% of the general population have an intellectual disability, and that 1 in every 10 families are directly affected by someone with an intellectual disability. 

“Our mission is to assist people with disabilities to live rich and fulfilling lives,” says Paul Carpenedo, executive director.  “EHCA believes that every person, regardless of disability, should have the right to make their own choices, to obtain the best education or training available, and to be active members of their community.  During March, we celebrate those we support who have an intellectual disability and encourage everyone to provide persons with intellectual disabilities opportunities for personal growth and to experience the many activities that make our lives rich, meaningful, and fulfilling.” 

March is also National Brain Injury Awareness Month.  EHCA serves a handful of individuals who were born healthy but suffered a traumatic brain injury.  The two age groups most likely to sustain a traumatic brain injury are kids aged 0-4 and 15-19, according to the American Association of Brain Injury.