Bello Machre Celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

While the U.S. is making strides in employing individuals with developmental disabilities, there’s still a long way to go. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment-population ratio among those with a disability was 22.7% in 2024. In contrast, the employment-population ratio for those without a disability was 65.5% during that same span.

This March, Bello Machre is celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) with the theme “Creating Pathways to Independence.” The Glen Burnie-based nonprofit believes independence covers a range of goals from learning new skills and landing a first job, to making choices about daily living and embracing opportunities for growth, empowerment and self-advocacy. Bello Machre, which provides services for people with developmental disabilities, is focusing its DDAM campaign on raising awareness, sharing stories, and encouraging inclusion, empowerment and opportunities for individuals.

“We invite everyone to take the Bello Machre pledge and join us in ‘Creating Pathways to Independence,’” said Robert Ireland, president and CEO of Bello Machre. “This pledge is a commitment to building a community where every person feels supported to grow, thrive and succeed. Together, we can make a difference by spreading awareness, sharing stories on social media, and taking the time to truly learn about and celebrate the incredible individuals we support. Our goal is to show the world what’s possible when we come together, uplift one another, and create opportunities for everyone to live more independent, fulfilling lives.”

Employers have long excluded this segment of workers, often because of preconceived notions around their abilities. As awareness increases, these perceptions are starting to shift, and employers are finding employees with developmental disabilities are a distinct asset. Not only do they diversify the workplace and improve the culture; they also provide bottom-line benefits. According to an Accenture survey, companies that have disability inclusion criteria realized 1.6 times more revenue, 2.6 times more net income, and two times more economic profit than those that do not.

In addition to providing residential services, live-in care and community services, Bello Machre works with adults to help them find meaningful careers. This includes job coaching, job development, on-site training, and transportation assistance.

“Every person we support has a voice and plays a key role in shaping their own career path,” Ireland said. “It starts with a conversation, learning about their goals, interests and what truly excites them. From there, we create a personalized job development plan and connect with local businesses to find the right opportunities with the right support. But our work doesn’t stop there. We’re with them every step of the way, providing guidance, coaching through challenges, and helping them explore new possibilities if their goals evolve. It’s all about creating opportunities that lead to lasting success and fulfillment.”

Kelly Hoover is one example of how individuals with developmental disabilities can thrive when given the tools, resources and support they need. A graduate of the Maryland School for the Blind, Hoover joined the Bello Machre family in August 2022 along with her mom, Denise. Hoover is a longtime employee at Texas Roadhouse and recently worked with community services director Todd Bonney and an employment specialist named Terry to write and publish a children's book called “Kell Bell Made a Wish.”

“Because I love to write, Todd suggested I author a book. I thought of my niece and nephew and decided to write about my visual impairment journey in a way that children would understand,” Hoover said. “I really enjoyed the process, and after talking it over with Todd and my support staff member, Terry, I decided I want to pursue being an author for enjoyment, not as a career. It’s working out really well for me and I appreciate how the team supported me in making my decision.”

To learn more about Bello Machre’s services, including the Creating Pathways to Independence campaign, visit www.bellomachre.org.