New York - The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities today announced a statewide multimedia community inclusion campaign to “welcome” people of all abilities. The new campaign launches in conjunction with opening day at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse, NY and will include an interactive online component for people all across the state to participate.

The campaign, called Welcome, is aimed at spreading awareness and acceptance of people with developmental disabilities in communities across New York State. The Welcome campaign encourages everyone to help “plant the seeds of community inclusion” by reaching out to people with different abilities in their neighborhoods, making them feel truly “welcome” and a part of the community by inviting them to take part as community members, volunteers and partners.

Under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s leadership, state agencies serving people with disabilities have accomplished significant reforms, including helping people transition from institutional settings to more appropriate, community-based supports and opportunities.

“Across the state, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are spending more time in the same jobs, classes, clubs, and other activities as their peers without disabilities,” said OPWDD Acting Commissioner Kerry A. Delaney. “By extending a warm welcome and offering support and friendship, we can learn from one another and grow together. That’s what the Welcome campaign is all about, planting the seeds of community inclusion to make sure that people of all abilities feel welcome.”

Visitors to the OPWDD display in the Science and Industry Building at the NYS Fair in Syracuse, which runs from August 25^th – September 5^th, will receive a seed packet to help “plant the seeds of community inclusion” and be encouraged to write a welcome message on a postcard that will be shared on social media and with people living in their community. People can also participate at www.opwdd.ny.gov/welcome beginning August 25^th and throughout the rest of the year by filling out a digital postcard or using one of the several toolkit items provided, such as a Facebook or Twitter banner, a window sign, by posting their own Welcome message on social media or by sharing the Welcome video featuring the band “Flame” performing the “Welcome” song by Phil Collins from the Brother Bear soundtrack (special thanks to Universal Studios).

Everyone is encouraged to take an active part in welcoming people of all abilities.