Support Theatre for All for Developmental Disability Awareness Month!

What your donation supports:

TFA Companies: Theatre, Dance, and Choir performances by adults with developmental disabilities (come see our upcoming performance at Thalian Hall)
TFA Outreach Program: Weekly performance classes for students ages 12-22 in special education classrooms in New Hanover & Pender Counties (Ashley High, GLOW Academy, Heidi Trask High, Hoggard High, New Hanover High, Murray Middle, Williston Middle, and TPYA-Transition Works! at Mosley Academy, CFCC, & UNCW)
TFA Leadership Program: Training for experienced company members to become paid teaching assistants in our Outreach Program
TFA Summer Camps: Performance camp for teens and adults + Radio Drama camp for adults
Community Visibility: Opportunities for TFA performers to attend community & theatrical events

Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated! You or your business can also become a 2025 Theatre for All Sponsor.

About Theatre for All

Theatre for All (TFA) began in 2014 with one community class for adults and one outreach class for students at Laney High School. Over the last decade, TFA has grown tremendously. Our goal is to bring the benefits of performing arts to youth and adults with disabilities in every southeastern North Carolina county. Visit our website to learn more.

About Developmental Disability Awareness Month

March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month (DDAM). In 1987, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation establishing March as DDAM. The proclamation encourages support for people with developmental disabilities, recognition of their needs and potential, and inclusion in all areas of community life.

What are "developmental disabilities"? Developmental Disabilities are conditions that impact a person's physical, learning, language, or behavioral abilities. These conditions include Autism Spectrum, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Williams Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Intellectual Disabilities, and visual/audio/speech impairments. They are caused by genetics, parental health during pregnancy, complications during birth, bacterial and viral infections, or exposure to environmental toxins.

Why do we need awareness about developmental disabilities? People with developmental disabilities are relatively isolated from the broader community from an early age. At school, most are instructed in self-contained classrooms in order to meet their unique learning needs. When they grow up, many people with developmental disabilities are not employed or hold jobs that are not public-facing. Unfortunately, this means there is little interaction with the broader community. Increased awareness helps overturn stereotypes by encouraging attention to the unique personalities and abilities of people with developmental disabilities.

How can you make a difference? There are many organizations that advocate for the rights, independence, and community inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. Get involved! Create friendships, as isolation is one of the worst consequences of having any disability. If you have a business, hire people with developmental disabilities in roles suited to them. And of course...see a performance featuring actors with developmental disabilities. You will be entertained and your perspective will expand!

Thank You!

Theatre for All Rocks!

2025 Developmental Disability Awareness Fundraiser