WHAT: There are an estimated 120,000 New Yorkers with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities (MRDD). June is New York City’s MRDD Awareness Month, an annual commemoration created to promote MRDD recognition and awareness in the community. Throughout the month, advocates, consumer organizations, service providers, and government agencies, either in collaboration or separately, hold events designed to educate the public, to reduce stigma associated with MRDD, and to promote the use of services and support resources for persons with MRDD and their families. Some activities this month include:

• June 14, 10:00 AM. Celebration of the Arts, at the Borough of Manhattan Community College, 199 Chambers St. This event will feature the NYC Kids Project, a professional touring company of actors, singers, musicians, who use theatrical techniques such as puppetry, theatre games, music, comedy, improvisation, and drama to create MRDD awareness and other performances.
• On June 23, DOHMH will hold a clinical symposium, "The Use of Antipsychotic Medications in Individuals with Mental Retardation and Other Developmental Disabilities: Concerns and Issues". This event is co-sponsored by AHRC and Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Service.

For more information on "June is Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month" activities, please contact the Department's Bureau of Community Liaison and Training at (212) 219-5567.

###