We're coming up on Developmental Disabities Month in the US

[marklcooper]

<p>I'm an independent computer consultant. One of my major clients is Perry County Ohio Board of Developmental Disabilities. Perry County is a member of a regional group of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities.</p>

<p>We have a new initiative that we are working on: <a href="http://justimagineit.me/2014/02/05/imagine-redefining-beauty-with-person-centered-awareness/">http://justimagineit.me/2014/02/05/imagine-redefining-beauty-with-person-centered-awareness/</a><br>

The imagine project. A recent post to the imagine project highlighted a web site dealing with people with developmental disabilities: <a href="http://positiveexposure.org/gallery/">http://positiveexposure.org/gallery/</a></p>

<p>The day after my Nikon D300 with 17 - 55 mm f/2.8 lens arrived, Perry County Board of Developmental Disabilities had their 'County Cup' mini-Olympics: http://auntellensfarm.com/marks-stuff/perry-county-bd-of-mr-dd-county-cup-2008</p>

<p>Serving people with developmental disabilities is a very rewarding field. I'm the IT guy along with being a photographer.</p>

<p>It doesn't get any better than this if you are trying to promote a cause.</p>

<p>Thanks - Mark</p>

<p> </p>

[bobbollinger]

<p>Good stuff, Mark. My family is indebted to folks like you who serve the DD community. My oldest son (24) has a DD, cerebral palsy, and he has benefited tremendously from organizations such as the one you are promoting with your photography. There are still a lot of unmet needs in the DD populations all over the US. Thanks for what you do. </p>

[spanky]

<p>A couple of summers ago I was a volunteer photographer for the Southern California Special Olympics summer games. I've done other stints as a volunteer photographer before, but I think this one was the most rewarding for me.</p>

[lex_jenkins]

<p>Sounds like a terrific project, Mark. Several of my Facebook photographer contacts invest at least some of their efforts toward various community projects. It inspires and motivates me at times when my own documentary efforts seem to lack coherent themes or focus. And it really can accomplish more that merely "raising awareness". I've seen people worldwide pitch in to help fund everything from long term projects for community aid organizations, to immediate needs for specific individuals, via Facebook and various indie fundraisers. All because they became aware of the needs and the individual people affected through sharing photos like you're doing.</p>

[Norma Desmond]

<p>Also, it's not just about others or the photographer. In addition to raising awareness and helping with funding and other valuable resources, being the subject of pictures can be fun, interesting, rewarding, and special for the individuals involved. Often just the photographic connection is a positive, engaging, and affirming experience.</p>

[marklcooper]

<p>A downside of IT in the DD world is HIPAA regulations. Next Wednesday (2/19) I'm moderating a daylong HIPAA for IT seminar for the 88 County DD agencies in Ohio. We some investigators coming in from the Dept. of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights to explain what they are looking for if they audit us. Then we get to ask them all kinds of questions. Worst case its another photo op<g>.</p>

<p>Thanks for all the comments.</p>