Orange County Film Festival Pays Tribute to March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Goshen - To honor the many children and adults in Orange County who live with developmental disabilities, recognize their contributions to our community, and pay tribute to the families, friends, caregivers, and advocates who support them, a film festival has been organized by the Orange County Developmental Disabilities Education and Training Consortium. The consortium represents the 19 Orange County-based government and non-profit providers of community services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families.

The free festival will showcase five films at two different Orange County locations during the month of March. All shows begin at 12 noon and should be finished by 2 pm.

·         March 3 – Offense Taken and I’m Tyler – SUNY Orange, Middletown

·         March 11 – Monica and David – Downing Film Center, Newburgh

·         March 17 – Front of the Class – SUNY Orange, Middletown

·         March 25 – Where’s Molly? – Downing Film Center, Newburgh

Seating is limited so reservations should be made in advance by contacting Scarlett Pantoja at Orange County Department of Mental Health at 291-2622 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

“Orange County is proud to support the outstanding work the Consortium does for the people they serve each and every day,” said Orange County Executive Edward A. Diana. “The films selected for this year’s film festival highlight the challenges and achievements of individuals coping with disability and their efforts as they strive to enjoy active, fulfilling, and accomplished lives.”

Developmental disabilities are a variety of conditions that become apparent during childhood and cause mental or physical limitation. These conditions include autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, mental retardation, and other neurological impairments. People with developmental disabilities may not learn as quickly as others learn, or express themselves as clearly. Some people may have limited ability to take care of their physical needs or may have limited mobility. Many have more than one disability.

Developmental disabilities have a variety of causes, which can occur before, during, or after birth. Those occurring before birth include genetic problems, poor prenatal care, or exposure of the fetus to toxic elements, drugs, or alcohol. Occurrences during birth, such as a loss of oxygen to the baby, or accidents after birth, like car accidents causing traumatic brain injury, also can cause developmental disabilities.

“It’s difficult to define the limits of people with disabilities, as we continue to discover extraordinary abilities within them,” said Darcie Miller, Acting Commissioner of Orange County’s Department of Mental Health. “It’s important to remember that what those dealing with disabilities need most is our encouragement, understanding, and the willingness to help them maximize their opportunities for becoming active and involved in their community,” continued Miller.

For more information about services, providers, training, and events, visit www.orangecountynyddconnection.com.