March is national Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and this year the Arc is calling on the community to join in “Revealing the Faces of Intellectual and Developmental Disability.”

The Arc is encouraging everyone to raise awareness about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) by personalizing the narrative.

The Arc of Rowan and Cardinal Innovations will bring awareness to the communities about intellectual and developmental disabilities with a movie screening and panel discussion to be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday at the Rowan Public Library, 201 W. Fisher St. The event will be held in the Stanback Room.

Organizers will show the independent film, “Menschen,” a World War II-era movie that challenges prejudice behind stereotypes like enemy and disabled. The event is free of charge and light refreshments will be provided.

Here are a few examples of everyday ways anyone can help raise awareness, no matter what time of year.

• If you have school-aged children, host an inclusive play date. Contact local recreation leagues to arrange a fun sports day or fun walk. Get together with other parents and participate in group activities.

• Submit a letter to the editor of your local newspaper promoting or calling for more inclusive activities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community. Encourage others to reach out to members of the local media to help bring awareness to Developmental Disabilities Month and share the letter on any social media platforms you use.

• Plan an outing to the movies. Check for upcoming show times of sensory friendly films at local theaters and organize with your local chapter of The Arc or other parents and caregivers to have a group trip to the movies.

• Update Facebook or Twitter status to spread awareness and show members of your community that you value inclusion and respect for people with I/DD. The Arc will be sharing facts about intellectual and developmental disabilities on its Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest accounts and invites people to share them.

The Arc of Rowan is a Rowan County United Way Agency. Visit www.thearcofrowan.org for more information about the Arc of Rowan.